Millions of people across America struggle daily with substance use disorders. These problems are treatable. However, to regain sobriety, you need help throughout all stages of addiction recovery. In recognition of these facts, September is observed each year as National Recovery Month.
Recovery Month is a vital resource for affected people throughout the U.S. That doesn’t just include individuals suffering from addiction. It also includes their families and the wider community. At Treatment Connection, we understand the true impact of addiction. That’s why we serve as a trusted resource for drug and alcohol recovery. Our easy-to-navigate online portal will connect you to suitable recovery programs in your area.
What Is Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month?
National Recovery Month was first organized in the late 1980s. It began as a U.S. government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) project. Today, the nonprofit Faces & Voices of Recovery has taken over for SAMHSA.
Each year, a theme is selected for Recovery Month. The chosen theme emphasizes an important aspect of addiction recovery. It also emphasizes the need for help with the mental health issues that often occur along with addiction.
This upcoming September, the chosen theme is “Recovery Is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.” The theme highlights the treatable nature of addiction and mental illness. It also highlights the need for a society-wide effort to make treatment a priority.
Who Celebrates Recovery Month?
Recovery Month is celebrated on a local and national level. Local celebrants include thousands of:
- Addiction prevention groups
- Treatment facilities
- Referral resources for treatment
They also include organizers of special events. In any given year, multiple types of these events take place. They include everything from fun runs to formal, red-carpet galas.
A range of national events is also planned. An entire week (Sept. 5th-11th) is dedicated to suicide prevention. The highlight of this week is World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th. International Recovery Day is celebrated on September 30th. Addiction professionals across the country are honored on September 20th.
How Can You Participate in Drug and Alcohol Recovery Month?
Interested in participating in Recovery Month? There are a few things you can do. First, check out Faces & Voices of Recovery’s dedicated website. This site features a calendar of upcoming events. It also includes downloadable resources such as:
- A planning toolkit
- An informative press release
- Letter templates for participating groups
Are you part of a group hosting an event? Post a notice on the Recovery Month site. You can use the site to upload photos of your completed event. These photos do more than commemorate your achievements. They also help inspire others to get involved in the future.
Most of the local events taking place are not listed on the official calendar. How do you find out about them? Check with resources in your area. Potential sources include addiction and mental health agencies. They also include local rehabs and treatment centers. Any group associated with drug and alcohol recovery may be able to help.
Finding Treatment for Substance Use Disorder
The main goal of National Recovery Month is to get more people into treatment. Need help tracking down treatment resources in your area? Turn to Treatment Connection. Our online portal exclusively features high-quality providers. You can use it to search for facilities in or near your zip code. You can also look for providers who treat specific forms of addiction.
In addition, we have educational resources that help explain available treatments. Finally, you can reach out to providers while remaining completely anonymous. With our help, you can find a facility that maximizes your odds of successful addiction recovery.