Government is hoping to help addicts along the difficult path to recovery with a series of awareness-raising events throughout September.Attorney General Kim Wilson announced the Island will observe National Recovery Month to spread the positive message that people can get better through prevention and treatment.Radio talk shaw programmes will focus on the subject of addiction, the Women’s Treatment Centre is organising a sponsored walk and the late Health Minister Nelson Bascome, who was a drug treatment counsellor, will be honoured at a soccer tournament at Devonshire Recreation Club.Senator Wilson said: “Recovery Month highlights individuals who have reclaimed their lives and are living happy and healthy lives in long-term recovery and also honours the prevention, treatment and recovery service providers who make recovery possible.“Recovery Month also promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible, and also encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those in need.“And Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioural health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.”Recovery Month is being spearheaded by the Department of National Drug Control, which aims to engage and educate the community about the importance of supporting those who are recovering or who have successfully recovered from a substance dependency.Sen Wilson said: “It is our hope is that through these activities, people will recognise that while the road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and overcoming mental and/or substance use disorders are significant and valuable.“Mental and/or substance use disorders not only affect those who are suffering, but also their families, friends, and the larger community, so this underscores how crucial it is to provide access to prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.“Substance abuse of any kind is a huge affliction on our society which has resulted in a tremendous human cost. It breaks bonds between parents and children and turns productive individuals into addicted and destructive personalities.“We are a small community and I think it’s safe to say that there’s not a person on this Island who in some way or another hasn’t been affected by substance abuse.“Like me, they may have a family member who is dealing with a dependency issue or a friend or co-worker who is struggling.“So, I strongly support the recognition of recovery month and I encourage all of Bermuda to be mindful of this observance.”