I agree, it took me to lose my family being killed by a drunk driver to wake me up. I thought that could have been me doing that to someone elses family. Everyone deserves a chance to set thengs straight and become productive members of society, and also have families. Not to be ashamed of what has happened to them in the past. Not only does addiction, affect our lives it affects the lives of everyone around us, and especially the ones we love so dearly, OUR FAMILIES. I thank President bush for signing this into action. It was great that he didn't have to use a government program, but for most of us, it does and we need more programs. Addiction is not a will of anyone, it is an illness just like Mental Health, it affects the brain and our physical health. Lets stop the Stigma of people with addictions. James Cooper

His parents could afford to pay for his treatment.

I too am glad Bush signed this into law. I am very angry, however, that underneath his statements about how he didn't need the government to recover is the implication that those who need "government support" in terms of public treatment resources or legal assistance with re-establishing and restoring their lives are somehow less than he is. We do not need more shame to fuel the stigma that already prevents us from addressing the illness of addiction.

i am sure most tof that money will be wasted albeit with good and noble intentions. but, given the state of the art in the treatment of dependence, it's a wonder that anyone "recovers".

These are comments made by a man who had the strength and resources to become PRESIDENT for heavens sake. To acknowledge the fact that he didn't need government to help him.. well, he is out of touch with reality. The fact is, we NEED more programs and systems change support THERE for people!!

I too am very pleased that Mr. Bush signed the "Second Chance Act." I would suggest that instead of "helping build new lives" this act will offer opportunities to those re-entering their communities to rebuild their own lives, a subtle but powerful difference. I'm sure I'm not the only one to catch a whiff of condescension in Mr. bush' words...

He had an OUI here in Maine in 1976. If that doesn't involve a government program, I don't know what does.

Would those of us who work with people really in recovery, consider Bush to be in recovery when he admits to drinking near beer?

In my 15+ years as a professional in the A&D treatment field, the people I found most difficult were the family members who had "quit on their own" and knew that everyone else could do so also if they just had enough will power. They were, with few exceptions, poster children for the term "dry drunk." Not only did they know how others should deal with their substance use, they knew how others should deal with everything else as well. Like those in good 12 Step recovery, they had come to believe in the existence of a higher power. Unlike those in recovery, however, they did not look beyond themselves and were quite ready to assume the role of higher power in the lives of others without stopping to listen to their stories. Of course, I am delighted that this piece of legislation has been signed into law. I look forward to the day when legislation is signed mandating parity of insurance coverage for physical and mental disorders, including addictions.

After reading most of these post, it really makes one thing clear. No matter what President Bush does, he will never get a break or kudos only critizism and rebuke. Everyone is different in how the deal with their issues. President Bush is no different and dealt with his stuff as he needed to. Bush is damned if he does and damed if he doesn't. well I think he has been one of the most forthright presidents we have had...regardless of what mistakes and mis judgement he has done. Those of us who are without any of those things, let the be the first to comment!

Thanks President Bush. It's time we don't have to fear our past when it comes to trying to give back. This bill will open the door for many individuals to help someone else along their journey. Recovery begins when you can begin to give back. Lets break the stigma and shame that comes with mental health and substance abuse challenges. Second Chance---the pathway to live again!!!!Thanks again President Bush

I don"t know why we keep waisting money on these do nothing programs which are forest for political exploitation and a black hole for the "American Tax Dollar" ATD. Let's get back to basic principles of prevention first and and if you don't get the message, you will pay for your bad choices right up to going to jail and paying for your own recovery out of your own pocket. Let's spend the money on those we can really make a difference in their lives with, our "American Kids" AK.

Bush didn t need public assisant.his family had money so he could get help,what about all the poor people that can t afford rehap where do they go,jail or they stay addicted I know cause my son is an addict with out money,I struggle to just pay my rent,I helped him as long as I could and can t anymore so where does he go now.stays an addict or jail.It must be a lot easier if your an addict with money your not even looked down on as much like all the movie stars and when a star dies of addiction it seems like they are put on a pedastal unlike the bums without money.

Mr. Bush said he didn't depend on government assistance to quit drinking. Well isn't that special? Last I heard, rich people don't have to depend on government assistance. Most of us, however, aren't rich. I don't like Bush, in fact, I can't stand the creep but it's about time we started provided some assistance to those in this country that need it. Sending them to jail to give them their comeuppence only makes matters worse. Would you throw a diabetic in jail because he had a hypoglycemic attack?

Bush`s point was FAITH not money supported him to stop drinking cold turkey is the way I read it. AA started as a faith based group. Then in becoming "politiacally correct " kicked Jesus out of it. I quit using crack and meth combinded with the help of Christ. Alll you whining babies who are too poor and want everthing gien to you , shut up and get on your knees and get to work servig Christ and you wont need any goverment assistance either. Most addicts I have seen through my past 10 years clean are just whinning babys who think the world owes them cause of something that happened as a child.Grow up, Man up, and surrender to the only power greater than YOU< Jesus. He works every time.alll the time 24/7

Clearly there is a difference between "Quitting drinking" and RECOVERING from the Disease of addiction.

Congratulations to President Bush and his family for being able to afford a faith based treatment ptogram to help him stop drinking. If he had the problem I had with alcohol then he may still be an untreated alcoholic. Treatment programs only work for as long as the person is in the treatment program. If there is no after-treatment support system in place when the person exits, then problems begin again. Thanks, Mr. Bush, for your support for the treatment community and the faith based support system. Ideally, if we could 'afford' to keep people in a treatment program continuum for 5-years and gradually incorporate them into society as tax paying citizens then treatment programs could work and successfully develope a better reputation as being responsible for a persons recovery.

My God- Aren't you the elitist group! Sounds more like Bush hating than anything else. I got clean in the rooms of NA after 25 years of misery-so I should tell people that's the only way? Why can't you just be glad he's sober and has faith?? Also that he wants to help instead of the the old lock them up attitude!

If you want it, there is hope out there for everyone and as Bush said, we all do matter.

What a pity that Bush does not do more than just pay lip service to recovery, by whatever means. His administration has increased the proportion of drug related funding that goes to supply reduction, even by hiding some of the funding under the blanket of anti-terrorism.

AJG5000 you are 1000% on the money in your post - he can't win for losing. I for one am sick of all the Bush bashing - there is not one human being that is capable of all the things he is blamed for to include Katrina. Now some think he was talking down because he didn't use a government program -- when in fact he said for himself he needed something more powerful and that would be Jesus Christ. Sounds to me like he was talking up his Faith not talking down or implying those that used govt. programs were less than he. President Bush has my thanks and gratitude and, regardless of all the folks that think they could do so much better, he has my respect for the position he holds.