A special tribute to mothers struggling with addiction
Lead Summary
By
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By U.S. Sen. Rob Portman
R-Ohio
An old Jewish Proverb says: "God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.”
It is a fitting reminder of all that our mothers have done for us. It is certainly true in my case where my mom showed me unconditional love and led by example in helping others.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, I wanted to take time out to pay tribute to some of the mothers I have met recently who are struggling with addiction. I’ve been to treatment centers and participated in roundtable discussions with recovering addicts across Ohio as part of my efforts to combat this heroin and prescription drug epidemic gripping our state. I have met with a lot of moms.
In Marion, I visited with residents of Jody’s House, a residential house for women recovering from addiction, to hear their inspiring stories, including one mom who is now a counselor. In Columbus, I met with a group of mothers struggling with addiction at Amethyst, which provides intensive treatment and recovery services with family-centered programs that bring mothers and children together. Having children as a part of recovery works, but it is rarely done. In Athens, I visited a women’s recovery facility and saw firsthand the terrific work being done in a supportive group setting to help women in rural areas struggling with substance abuse.
We owe special thanks to the counselors and doctors at these treatment centers, who are helping these moms and their children. Their love and compassionate care is truly remarkable, and it’s making a significant difference in bringing families back together and strengthening our communities.
The women I have met, and the stories they shared, are often inspiring. Addiction is a disease, but many have turned the corner, overcoming great obstacles specifically because they want to be better mothers. And those conversations have informed my work in Washington.
Recently, the Senate passed my bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act, which takes specific steps to help women, including pregnant mothers and babies, get access to the treatment and recovery services they need to get their lives back on track. I’m pleased to report the House is taking action soon, and I’m committed to making sure this important legislation is signed into law.
When I talk to women in recovery who are working hard to get back on their feet, so they can get back with their families, back in their jobs, and provide an example for their children, I come away with a determination to do all we can to give them the tools they need to be successful.
We can address this issue and turn the tide of addiction. We can help these mothers and we must.
Happy Mother’s Day to you and your family.
R-Ohio
An old Jewish Proverb says: "God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.”
It is a fitting reminder of all that our mothers have done for us. It is certainly true in my case where my mom showed me unconditional love and led by example in helping others.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day this weekend, I wanted to take time out to pay tribute to some of the mothers I have met recently who are struggling with addiction. I’ve been to treatment centers and participated in roundtable discussions with recovering addicts across Ohio as part of my efforts to combat this heroin and prescription drug epidemic gripping our state. I have met with a lot of moms.
In Marion, I visited with residents of Jody’s House, a residential house for women recovering from addiction, to hear their inspiring stories, including one mom who is now a counselor. In Columbus, I met with a group of mothers struggling with addiction at Amethyst, which provides intensive treatment and recovery services with family-centered programs that bring mothers and children together. Having children as a part of recovery works, but it is rarely done. In Athens, I visited a women’s recovery facility and saw firsthand the terrific work being done in a supportive group setting to help women in rural areas struggling with substance abuse.
We owe special thanks to the counselors and doctors at these treatment centers, who are helping these moms and their children. Their love and compassionate care is truly remarkable, and it’s making a significant difference in bringing families back together and strengthening our communities.
The women I have met, and the stories they shared, are often inspiring. Addiction is a disease, but many have turned the corner, overcoming great obstacles specifically because they want to be better mothers. And those conversations have informed my work in Washington.
Recently, the Senate passed my bipartisan Comprehensive Addiction & Recovery Act, which takes specific steps to help women, including pregnant mothers and babies, get access to the treatment and recovery services they need to get their lives back on track. I’m pleased to report the House is taking action soon, and I’m committed to making sure this important legislation is signed into law.
When I talk to women in recovery who are working hard to get back on their feet, so they can get back with their families, back in their jobs, and provide an example for their children, I come away with a determination to do all we can to give them the tools they need to be successful.
We can address this issue and turn the tide of addiction. We can help these mothers and we must.
Happy Mother’s Day to you and your family.