National Recovery Month: Celebrating Healing and Hope
September marks the beginning of the fall season when we observe the leaves change color and feel the subtle shifts in the air. It is a time of transition and change as the month ushers in a new season. But September offers more than just a transition in seasons; it is also National Recovery Month, dedicated to honoring and highlighting an especially difficult transition – from the struggle with substance use/misuse or addiction to recovery. National Recovery Month highlights the strength and resilience of those impacted by substance use and mental health challenges.
Celebrated since 1989 when it was first established by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the primary goal of Recovery Month is to raise awareness about the benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery services, as well as to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and mental health issues. It emphasizes that recovery is not only possible but also a cause for celebration. The recovery process is just that: a process. One that involves many people who support the individuals – service providers, families, caregivers, and communities – all unified by the hope they hold and the compassion they carry.
Three Themes of Recovery Month
Each year, Recovery Month focuses on three important themes that promote recovery and wellness:
Education is a cornerstone of the recovery process and in reducing stigma. Recovery Month events and campaigns provide valuable information about addiction, treatment, prevention, and harm reduction. Knowledge empowers individuals and communities to make informed decisions and know how to seek help when needed.
Prevention is essential to reducing the impact of substance use disorders and mental health challenges. Recovery Month encourages initiatives and strategies that prevent the onset of these conditions, particularly among young people. By addressing risk factors and promoting healthy behaviors, we can build stronger, more resilient communities.
Treatment and Support: Perhaps the most crucial aspect of Recovery Month is highlighting the importance of treatment and support services. When people are equipped with evidence-based treatment and recovery supports, they can regain their lives and contribute to their families and communities. Every person’s journey to recovery is personal and requires individualized care and supports.
Celebrate!
One of the most inspiring aspects of Recovery Month is the opportunity to celebrate the success stories of individuals who have overcome addiction and mental health challenges. These stories remind us that recovery is an ongoing journey, marked by setbacks and triumphs. By sharing these narratives, we reduce stigma and offer hope to those still struggling. For individuals struggling with addiction or mental health challenges, identifying with a peer’s experience and seeing that recovery is possible can be powerful and offer hope.
Get Involved
Recovery Month offers many opportunities for individuals and communities to get involved, show support, and learn. You can participate in local events, join virtual events, or engage with a range of social media channels. SAMSHA offers a full month of events and opportunities. Additionally, you can volunteer with organizations that provide addiction and mental health services or donate to support their critical work.
3 out of 10 people in the United States have issues with mental health or substance use. Together, we can offer hope, embrace acceptance, and celebrate the power of recovery. By coming together as a community, we can reduce stigma, increase access to care, and promote a culture of recovery that extends far beyond the month of September. Let’s create communities that foster healing, growth, and understanding. Together, we can make a difference.
