Nearly one in 10 Hawai'i adults needs treatment for alcohol or substance abuse, state officials said yesterday in announcing new plans to promote drug and alcohol treatment programs.

And for every person dependent on alcohol or drugs, "at least four or five people are affected on a regular basis," Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona said.

Aiona made the statement as the state announced plans for a monthlong focus on the gains made by recovering Hawai'i addicts.

As part of the focus, Gov. Linda Lingle honored four drug and alcohol treatment providers, including the Salvation Army Family Treatment Services program, and proclaimed September "alcohol and drug addiction recovery month."

A state survey earlier this year found that 9.3 percent of Hawai'i residents over the age of 18 need such treatment. Admissions to drug and alcohol treatment centers in Hawai'i rose 16.9 percent last year with the state's initiative to remove the stigma of seeking help for substance abuse.

"This month is about celebrating recovery, as nearly 50 community programs statewide are meeting these needs," Aiona said.

The Salvation Army program provides free service to women who are either pregnant or have an infant.

Executive Director Linda Rich called the recognition an important acknowledgment of the work her program is doing.

"We have the joy in our program of seeing so many women turn their lives around, reuniting with their children, stabilizing their families and going back to school or work," Rich said.

The other three community-based treatment providers recognized yesterday were Ho'omau Ke Ola, which primarily serves Native Hawaiian adults; Celebrate Recovery, a faith-based program consisting of more than 10 churches; and Po'ailani Inc., which serves adults who are battling mental health and substance abuse issues.