By Ioana Cozma
Updated: 12 September 2023
National Recovery Month is a US annual observance month highlighting the importance of substance use treatment and mental health services for people with mental and/or substance use disorders. This period celebrates individuals recovering from substance abuse, their loved ones, and healthcare providers. This article logs the history of National Recovery Month, its importance, and how you can get involved.
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Table of contents:
What is National Recovery Month?
National Recovery Month is an annual national observance month held in September that started in 1989 under the sponsorship of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The annual Recovery Month celebrates the people who have recovered from substance addiction, their addiction professionals, loved ones, and the community.[1]
The National Addiction Professionals Day, held on September 20, 2023, is essential to Recovery Month. The event underlines the work of addiction professionals, which is the backbone of addiction treatment, recovery, and relapse prevention.[2]
This period offers an excellent opportunity to promote evidence-based treatment venues and proven recovery therapies. Observers gain access to innovative research and resources surrounding mental health and addiction treatment to empathize and support better evidence-based therapies.
Following its launch in 1989, SAMHSA had several initiatives and grants with governmental and non-governmental agencies during Recovery Month. Although this month had a different theme each year until 2023, the permanent tagline is now “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.”[2]
SAMSHA gradually decreased its implication in organizing the Recovery Month. As of June 2020, its stakeholders no longer convene annually, and SAMSHA no longer manages the events calendar.[2]
The new Recovery Month website is now managed by Faces & Voices of Recovery, an organization that creates events and assets, such as shareable graphics and social media post templates.
Why is it important to recognize recovery?
Recognizing recovery is an important part of addiction treatment and relapse prevention because individuals who recovered from drug use feel celebrated and recompensated, along with their families and healthcare providers.
As a result, they feel more motivated to stay par of the course for recovery. Additionally, celebrating milestones in recovery is similar to a landmark that allows individuals to pause and reflect. Individuals can assess and celebrate their progress and set new goals for the future.
Recognizing recovery also educates the broader public on the intricacies of addiction, dependency, mental health, relapse, and recovery. That means the entire community becomes more understanding, empathetic, and supportive.
Therefore, celebrating recovery is an essential tool in reducing the stigma surrounding both the issues and the people with addiction and mental health disorders. Recovery Month proves that these challenges can be overcome as long as people have access to evidence-backed medical treatment, a supportive community, and practical resources.
Recovery Month also sends a message of hope to those still in the throes of addiction because celebrating recovery is a reminder that rehabilitation is indeed possible for everyone. People with addiction and their families gain access to valuable events, assets, and resources that would support them during and after treatment.
Moreover, recognizing recovery brings individuals and communities together. This educated community offers support and camaraderie, which have been proven to increase addiction treatment success rates, preventing relapse.[3]
In the long term, this united and educated community can also inspire policy change. When the broader society recognizes the ups and downs of recovery and the importance of science-backed therapies, it can lobby for better policies, more funding, and improved treatment resources.
How can I get involved?
If you’re interested in getting involved with National Recovery Month, here are some practical suggestions.
First, educate yourself on the pragmatics of substance abuse, addiction, and mental health disorders. Familiarizing yourself with the success stories and challenges of people in recovery can help you explain these struggles to other people.
Another way to get involved is to check out local Recovery Month events, ranging from walks and rallies to informational seminars and workshops. You can join or support these organizations dedicated to mental health and substance use recovery. For example, volunteer at local recovery facilities or donate to organizations that help individuals in recovery.
Sharing stories is another important way of contributing. Encourage your loved ones in recovery to share their experiences and use social media platforms to spread the message of recovery.
In fact, there are numerous social media post templates the large public can download to promote National Recovery Month and its events. Use the Recovery Month logo and theme to produce and distribute promotional items or download and share materials from the Recovery Month website.[4]
You may also show your support by wearing pins, shirts, or other merchandise dedicated to Recovery Month. But more importantly, lobby for policies and legislation that support individuals with substance use addiction and those in recovery.
To do that, start by understanding your current legislation. Then, connect with local advocacy groups and lawmakers. You can leverage social media to organize public awareness campaigns and, therefore, rally community support around this issue. Additionally, advocate for educational programs in schools that underline substance use prevention and evidence-backed mental health therapies.
When you consistently share personal stories and engage with decision-makers, you can contribute to policy changes that prioritize substance use prevention and recovery.
