I have a disease that started when I was about 14. Without meaning to, I made choices as a teenager that contributed to my disease. I have battled with my disease for years. It has caused difficult things to happen to my health, my job, my family and friends. I try to deal with my disease but it’s not easy. One thing that really helps is when people understand that living with my disease is not easy.

This could be describing many different diseases: Cancer, Heart disease, Diabetes. Most of us probably know someone who suffers from one of these diseases. This particular story illustrates the struggles of someone with the disease of alcohol or other drug addiction.

Although not always acknowledged, these disorders are very wide spread. In 2006, drug addictions affected an estimated 22.6 million people in the U.S; about 478,000 people in MN. It is likely that many of us know someone who struggles with or has recovered from an addiction; we may have our own personal experience and story. Addictions, of course, affect not only individuals but our whole community. We are very aware of the possible heart breaking tragic consequences of drug addiction.

Addiction to chemical substances is a disease. The recovering person must work to maintain sobriety just like a diabetic does to keep insulin levels in balance. Just as we support people with cancer, diabetes, or heart disease, we need to do the same with individuals struggling with problem use of alcohol or other drugs. With treatment and support, recovery from addiction can and does occur.

September is designated “National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month”. This year’s theme, “Voices of Recovery: Real People; Real Recovery”, strikes a chord in our community and communities across our nation. The Northfield City Council will sign a proclamation on September 8 joining their voices with many others (including the Faribault City Council and Rice County Board of Commissioners) to help educate our community that substance use disorders are serious illnesses that are treatable. By regarding addiction like other chronic diseases, we can improve the quality of life not only for individuals, but for the entire community.

During Recovery Month, and throughout the year, support and celebrate those courageous real people who struggle with or are in recovery from substance abuse.

Suggestions include:

• Remember and remind others that addiction is a serious illness, not a character flaw.
• Talk to elected officials and decision makers about the importance of making treatment available to people who need it.
• If you know someone in recovery, let them know that you support and admire their journey.
• Encourage and support friends and loved ones who are struggling with alcohol or drug addiction; if possible, assist them in seeking treatment.
• Join your voice with many others in our community to work on concrete ways to keep our citizens safe, drug free, and on the road to recovery when that is indicated.

This article was co-authored on behalf of the Northfield Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Alcohol and Drug Use by Kathy Sandberg and Joan Janusz.