Did you know that Betty Ford, first lady of the United States from 1974 to 1977 as the wife of President Gerald Ford, helped pave the road to recovery for many?

After revealing a longtime addiction to painkillers and alcohol 15 months after leaving the White House, Betty Ford co-founded the famous Betty Ford Center 40 years ago this week. She was known for regularly welcoming new groups of patients to her rehab clinic with a speech that started, “Hello, my name’s Betty Ford, and I’m an alcoholic and drug addict.” As we are aware, alcohol and substance addictions can come with stigmas that make it even more difficult for those who need treatment to ask for the help they need. Betty Ford helped tackle the taboo of addiction.

The good news is that addiction is treatable, and there are now many careers that can help those struggling with addiction. Addictions professionals not only provide hope to individuals and families, but they also save lives. If you want to help those on the road to recovery, Addictions Training Institute can help give you the tools you need to change the world. Alcohol and drug counselors are in high demand, and can truly help improve the lives of those suffering from this disease. Learn more about our program here.

Betty Ford’s name has become synonymous with recovery. Her legacy has lived on through the many rehab centers across the country, including one that helps children whose parents struggle with addiction. We all have to work together to help prevent substance use disorder, support those who are still struggling, and help people in recovery find the resources they need to live full and healthy lives.

Catch Betty Ford, as portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer, in Showtime’s award-winning series “The First Lady.”