Okaloosa County will recognize National Recovery Month for the first time

SHALIMAR — In the ongoing efforts to combat drug and alcohol addiction within Okaloosa County, the Board of County Commissioners has approved a proclamation that will go into effect in September as the county, for the first time, will recognize National Recovery Month.

Earlier this month, Attorney General Ashley Moody announced that this region of Florida is now leading the state in terms of opioid deaths. The per capita opioid-related death rate per 100,000 residents is 42 deaths per 100,000 for the Pensacola medical district, which covers Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties.

History of the event

In a way to honor all the work done by addiction health professionals, National Recovery Month was first celebrated in 1989 under the name Treatment Works! Month. That name continued for nine more years until it was renamed National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

Fast forward to 2011, when the name was once again changed to what it is now called National Recovery Month.

How many people are affected by drug addiction?

 According to the National Survey of Drug Use and Health, 46.3 million people 12 and older met the standards set by the DSM-5 for having a substance use disorder in the past year.

Fast forward to 2011, when the name was once again changed to what it is now called National Recovery Month.

The national survey says 29.5 million people had an alcohol disorder, while 24 million had a drug use disorder. In 2021, 94 percent of people aged 12 or older with a substance abuse problem did not receive any treatment. Nearly all the people surveyed who did not get treatment believed they didn't need any help.

Also, 72 percent of adults who have ever had a substance abuse problem say they consider themselves recovering or in recovery.

Local leader reaction

“We all recognize that there are no easy answers when it comes to combatting addiction, and recovery can be a long, arduous process," said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden. "But as sheriff, it’s so encouraging to see our county, municipalities, and so many local organizations pooling their resources and energies to make sure a message of hope stays in the forefront.”  

If you have a drug or alcohol addiction and would like to reach out for help, Okaloosa County offers many programs to help people in their time of need.