WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Angus King (I-Maine) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV) earlier this week introduced a bipartisan resolution designating September as “National Recovery Month.” The Senators’ resolution comes as overdoses are rising across the nation. The resolution specifically recognizes the many challenges contributing to growing substance use disorders and the need for more community resources to reduce barriers to treatment and destigmatize substance abuse.

Overdose deaths in 2022 were up 50% when compared to pre-pandemic numbers, with communities across the country losing nearly 110,000 loved ones – including 716 in Maine, a record for the state.

“To anyone suffering from substance use disorders, your communities and loved ones are here for you – we see you and we want to help,” said Senator King. “I know the last few years have not been easy. We as a nation are still recovering from the effects of the pandemic, which caused hardships for all Americans and led to an alarming increase in mental health disorders. On top of that, the growing presence of fentanyl, which was responsible for nearly four out of five overdoses last year in Maine, is escalating the already severe opioid epidemic. During this year’s National Recovery Month, we must recommit ourselves to supporting those struggling with addiction. We must also provide more resources to address our nation’s opioid epidemic, increase mental health services, and strive to become more compassionate. Together, recovery is possible.”

“Substance abuse affects far too many West Virginians, and drugs—especially killer opioids like fentanyl—remain a serious threat to public health across our country,” Senator Capito said. “I have been a constant supporter in the fight against substance abuse and helping those affected by it onto the road to recovery. I am proud to join my colleagues in designating September as National Recovery Month to raise awareness and help educate more people about treatment options and support efforts for those in recovery. This is a critical component of the spectrum of solutions needed to save lives and fight back against the scourge of addiction.”

In 2021, there were approximately 20,900,000 adults in the United States suffering from alcohol or drug addiction. It’s estimated that the total cost to the country from substance abuse disorders, including the costs of healthcare, lost productivity, and involvement of the criminal justice system, was $1,470,000,000 in 2020 – though no dollar amount can adequately convey the devastating loss of life.

This year, Senator King introduced two pieces of legislation to prevent new FDA approvals of Opioids, establish new treatment facilities, recruit new healthcare providers, and expand support programs for those suffering from addiction, including babies born with neonatal abstinence syndrome. Senators King and Capito have consistently worked on a bipartisan basis to address America’s tragic substance use disorder epidemic. Along with their annual designation of September as “National Recovery Month” they have joined on efforts to improve telehealth, create a better approval process for opioids, and to support mental health outreach.

A companion resolution has been introduced in the House by Representatives David Trone (D-MD), Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA), and Annie Kuster (D-NH).

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