Judge Larson hosts county recovery event in Superior

The Honorable John Larson Hosts Recovery Event to Raise Awareness of Mental and Substance Use Disorder Support Services in Superior, MT.

Superior, MT, September 11, 2013 – Mental and substance use disorders and the many pathways to wellness in Mineral County, MT must be addressed immediately, according to Judge John Larson. To promote the widespread national observance, Judge Larson will host a Recovery Month event and Treatment Court graduation, which is intended to recognize our participants who have succeeded in recovery and support people in recovery and draw attention to critical prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.

Today’s event, which will take place at noon in the commissioner’s conference room, will “emphasize the importance of seeking physical and mental wellness every day, through multiple pathways and throughout the recovery process, to achieve health and well-being,” stated Judge Larson. “It is critical that people experiencing mental and/or substance use disorders receive the support they need from the community. The reality is that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover.”

In 2011, 45.6 million people aged 18 or older had a mental illness according to the 2011 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual survey released by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). However, only 31.6 million people received mental health services. In addition, 20.6 million people were classified with substance dependence or abuse in 2011, and 3.8 million people aged 12 or older received treatment for a substance use disorder.

“It is important that the momentum we’ve established at this event is carried over to tomorrow, and the next day, week, and year,” said Juli Balenger, Mineral County DUI Court Coordinator. “We all have the potential to make a difference. We can all be examples of good health and wellness.”

Today’s event will be part of Recovery Month, a national observance sponsored by SAMHSA, within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The observance raises awareness of mental and substance use disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.