Thursday, October 2, 2008

SAMHSA's Public Attitudes Survey: What Does It Mean?

This week I received in my email box the press release for a new survey on public attitudes about substance abuse, treatment, and recovery, by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). At a glance, it seems that the findings are encouraging. More than half of American adults know someone in recovery. A large majority believe recovering persons can live productive lives. About two-thirds of us would be comfortable being friends or co-workers with a recovering person.

Over at the Addiction and Recovery News blog, Jason Schwartz has a different and interesting take on these stats. He poses some thought-provoking questions about recovery and stigma. I encourage you to check it out and share your thoughts. What do you think is the real meaning behind these survey findings?

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