September Is National Recovery Month: Here’s How You Can Get Involved

National Recovery Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about mental health and substance use disorders.  It is also a time to recognize and celebrate the many people who have gotten treatment and overcome SUDs. 

In addition, it is an opportunity to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery techniques.

The theme for this year is “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community,” which has been adopted as their permanent tagline, emphasizing that recovery is possible for everyone.  During September, events are held nationwide and everyone is encouraged to find a way to participate.

Who Started National Recovery Month?

In 1989, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) started National Recovery Month. 

The purpose was to draw attention to the challenges of overcoming substance use while also reducing the stigma associated with treatment and recovery.  The initiative has been successful in achieving its goal and is still going strong more than thirty years later.

In 2011, SAMHSA expanded the scope of Recovery Month to include raising awareness about mental health disorders.  The campaign also promotes recognition of dedicated treatment providers and communities who help make recovery possible. 

What Is the Goal of National Recovery Month?

The goal of National Recovery Month is to increase awareness about the extent of substance use in America today, support recovery, and promote substance use prevention.  According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary, Xavier Becerra, 

“National Recovery Month represents an opportunity to recognize the strength and resilience of individuals who have triumphed over addiction and mental health challenges. Mental health and substance use disorders (SUD) are often misunderstood, stigmatized, and overlooked, but at their heart are people in despair looking for an open door and a helping hand. 

Let’s come together as a community to celebrate victories and renew our commitment to a future where every individual has the treatment, support, and resources they need to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. The road to recovery is a shared journey, and together, we can open doors and offer a helping hand. “

National Recovery Month seeks to remind people that substance use can be overcome with the right support and treatment.  It is also a reminder that we need expanded access to high-quality treatment and work together to provide the necessary support and care needed by those with substance use and mental health disorders.  

Here Are Some Ways You Can Get Involved

To help people learn more about the events and how to take part, SAMHSA provides a Recovery Month Toolkit.  You can share the materials across all media platforms.  Also, you may download samples to be used on social media and various graphics that can be shared as well.  The toolkit is available on SAMHSA’s website.  You’ll find a variety of weekly themes that you can help promote such as:

• Sample graphics and social media posts to download and share.
• Official hashtags to use on social media.
• Stickers to use on social media, and directions on how to post them.
• Virtual backgrounds to use at events, meetings, or on social media.
• Email signature templates.
• Various posters to help raise awareness of recovery.
• Profile frames to add to your social media profile.
• A list of resources for more information about addiction, recovery, and mental health.

The CDC website also provides various resources that will help you get involved in these worthwhile initiatives.

Across America, thousands of professionals in the prevention, treatment, and recovery field celebrate National Recovery Month.  Their efforts and contributions have helped many people with SUD or mental health disorders live rewarding, healthier lives.  Additionally, many public and private organizations do their part to contribute as well.  

Design for Change Recovery Provides Evidence-Based Treatment to Support National Recovery Month and Beyond

Our mission at Design for Change Recovery is to provide solutions to the substance use challenges people face today.  We do this by offering a full continuum of care supported by evidence-based practices that promote recovery.   Some of the therapies we offer are:

• Detoxification
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Medication-Assisted Treatment
• Relapse Prevention Strategies
• Group and Individual Counseling
• Dual-Diagnosis Treatment
• Holistic Therapies
  • Motivational Interviewing
  • Psychodrama Therapy
  • Bio-Sound Therapy
  • Experiential Therapy
  • Music and Art Therapy
  • Mindfulness and Meditation
  • Nutritional Education
• Family Involvment and Therapy

We also provide different levels of treatment for each client’s needs such as outpatient, intensive outpatient, residential, intensive inpatient, and partial hospitalization programs.  Depending on their needs, clients could require short-term or long-term treatment.

As we help people overcome addiction, we help reduce substance use and fatal overdoses. Our comprehensive program includes therapies that address the mental, physical, and spiritual aspects of addiction for whole-person healing.

Contact our Lancaster, CA facility to learn more about our fully accredited programs. One of our treatment advisors is available 24/7 to help you choose the right treatment plan for your unique needs. So, contact us now by phone, email, or online to begin your recovery journey.

Sources:

hhs.gov/about/. – Statement by HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra Recognizing National Recovery Month

samhsa.gov/ – National Recovery Month Toolkit

cdc.gov/. – National Recovery Month Partner Toolkit