Every year in September, National Recovery Month is observed to increase awareness and celebrate those who have been successful in their recovery journey. With the hopes to educate the public and showcase the positive side of recovery, people are reminded that mental health issues and addiction can affect anyone. Showing that there is a way out from under these issues helps those affected develop a responsibility to become part of the solution.
This year will mark the 32nd year that the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has promoted National Recovery Month to destigmatize addiction and recovery. The annual theme of “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” gives the sense of coming together to show that recovery does work, especially when support is received.
What Can You Do for National Recovery Month?
Try to support a loved one who is suffering from addiction or mental health issues, or if you are in recovery, share your story. Although National Recovery Month may look a little different in 2020 due to the global pandemic taking place, you still have a voice and a story that could help someone else get sober.
Even at an online Zoom meeting, your experience, strength, and hope could encourage someone to get sober or seek treatment with the comprehension that recovery is absolutely possible.
How Does National Recovery Month Save People’s Lives?
Addiction does not discriminate, and the public needs to be consistently reminded that their loved ones are at risk. Without a proper understanding of what happens when drugs or alcohol are consumed in any capacity, anyone could be susceptible to becoming addicted.
Using National Recovery Month to educate all races, all ages, and all genders could be a saving grace for someone to decide against setting their life on fire for the sake of trying to numb out to the problems they are facing. Bringing this necessary awareness into the mainstream is pertinent to changing lives and, more importantly, making it possible to save more lives due to the power of recovery.
Take some time this September, if you have not already done so, educate yourself on what addiction entails and what you can do to help prevent it. Regardless if you are doing this for yourself, your child, or your grandchildren, you can take yourself out of the problem and insert yourself front and center in the solution.
If you or someone you know struggles with drugs and alcohol, we have a way out of the plight of your addiction. Valiant Living will provide a safe, supportive haven in the earliest stages of recovery. Get the individualized attention you need for stabilization, assessment, and discerning the best next steps in your journey. With the power of sobriety, clients experience life-changing healing and are restored to full health. Call us today for more information at (303) 536-5463.
Originally published: September 29, 2020
Revised: August 23, 2021
