Rentz Center offers message of recovery

This September, people throughout the country will join together to promote the healing message of recovery by participating in the 20th annual observance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

This year's Recovery Month theme, "Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal," encourages community residents to seek all available resources from within the community and Internet to obtain addiction information, counseling resources and support.

"Recovery Month is a time to congratulate the individuals who are living drug-free, and a time to reach out and help those in need who may have an addiction problem," said Jerry Skogmo, Renz Addiction Counseling Center's executive director.

"Renz Center's Web site offers a variety of educational information on alcohol and drug addiction treatment, recovery and support, in addition to a free confidential step-by-step assessment test."

A substance use disorder, like many chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, are a disease that can affect anyone.

"An estimated 2.7 million people ages 12 or older used an illicit drug for the first time in the past year," reported the National Survey on Drug Use and Health: National Findings, 2007. And, for most people, treatment works.

According to The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, February 2001, "recent studies show that after six months, treatment for alcoholism is successful for 40 to 70 percent of clients; cocaine treatment is successful for 50-60 percent; and opiate treatment for 50-80 percent."

For a free substance abuse assessment and one-on-one consultation, visit Renz Addiction Counseling Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 23, at Two American Way in Elgin or 309 Walnut St. in St. Charles. No appointment is necessary.

Renz Addiction Counseling Center is a nonprofit organization funded, in part, by the federal government, local United Ways, the Illinois Department of Human Services, Hanover Township, Schaumburg, and St. Charles 708 boards and other local community organizations.

To find out more, call (847) 742-3545 or visit www.renzcenter.org.