This September marks the 32nd National Recovery Month, an observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.
Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as society celebrates health improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. A major difference, however, is that the successes of the millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery often go unnoticed by the general population. The observance reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.
Each year, Recovery Month selects a new focus and theme to spread the message and share the successes of treatment and recovery. This year’s theme, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” is meant to remind people in recovery and those who support them that no one is alone in the journey through recovery. The observance will work to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members who make recovery in all its forms possible.
As part of Recovery Month, National Addiction Professionals Day will be celebrated on September 20. This day was established by NAADAC (National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors) to commemorate the dedicated work that these vital players of the health system and continuum of care do on a daily basis.
Previously, Recovery Month was sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In June of 2020, SAMHSA announced its decision to retire its annual convening of Recovery Month stakeholders, the development of future themes and assets, and the management of the events calendar. For more information visit Recovery Month, Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. NAADAC now “carries the torch” for Recovery Month.
Local counseling is available at the Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc., at 585-593-6738. Together, we can stop the stigma surrounding mental and substance use disorders, and help more people find the path to hope, health, and overall wellness!
Allegany Council on Alcoholism and Substance Abuse, Inc. 