Recovery Works RI Formed to Change Conversation Around Addiction
Wednesday, October 08, 2014
A new coalition, Recovery Works RI, has formed to change the way people look at the disease of addiction, the role of recovery, and the responsibility for addressing these issues.
“Addiction is everyone’s business. This is an issue that affects every home, every school, every family, and every business in Rhode Island. It is a workplace issue, a workforce issue, and an economic development issue,” said William A. McCourt, Executive Director of RI Manufacturers’ Association and founding partner of Recovery Works Coalition.
Data from the first nationwide survey of persons in recovery from substance use disorders shows that recovery does, in fact, work and is the key to long-term success.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTFor those who have moved from active addiction to recovery:
-Paying bills on time and paying back personal debt doubled
-Fifty percent more people pay taxes in recovery than when they are in active addiction
-Planning for the future (e.g., saving for retirement) increases nearly threefold
-Involvement in domestic violence (as victim or perpetrator) decreases dramatically
-Participation in family activities increases by 50%
-Volunteering in the community increases nearly threefold
-Voting increases significantly
-Frequent utilization of costly emergency room departments decreases tenfold
-The percentage of uninsured decreases by half
-Reports of untreated emotional/mental health problems decrease over fourfold
-Involvement in illegal acts and involvement with the criminal justice system decreases about tenfold
-Steady employment increases by over 50%
-Twice as many people further their education or training
-Twice as many people start their own businesses.
“By talking openly and honestly about substance use disorders and the reality of recovery, we make it easier for people to connect with the treatment and recovery support they need. This improves our businesses, our community, and the lives of all Rhode Islanders,” said Michelle McKenzie, Board Chair, Rhode Island Communities for Addiction Recovery Efforts, who has agreed to chair the coalition.
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