Ketchikan has job potential. Alaska had 21 years of job gains up until 2009. After a year without, Alaska added 1,800 jobs in 2010 and 5,200 in 2011, according to the Alaska Department of Labor.

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Former Ketchikan resident Mike Thomas, 47, died Dec. 20, 2011, in Mohave, Ariz. He was born in Salem, Ore., on Nov. 25, 1964, but was raised in Ketchikan.

An estimated 28,000 Alaskans struggle with substance abuse, a disorder that affects more than just the individual. Families and the community at large also are hurt by substance abuse.

Some addicts might believe they don't want treatment, others might want to change their lives, but don't know where to go. Help is available in Ketchikan, with numerous free support groups that can help guide a person through their treatment and recovery.

September is Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month nationally and in Ketchikan, too, following a declaration Thursday by the Ketchikan City Council.

This month is a time to consider the effects of substance abuse, and the benefits of providing treatment for community members who suffer from the disease.

People who chronically abuse alcohol and drugs are more likely to have run-ins with the police, more likely to need free health or court services, and are less likely to be able to look after themselves. All that costs taxpayers money.

Those who are able to conquer their addiction can turn their lives around, get jobs and apartments, have normal, healthy relationships and become productive members of society.

It's worth it for the community to support treatment programs, and to support individuals in those programs.

To those working hard to recover from addiction: Good luck. We know you can do it.