“Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.”
National Recovery Month (Recovery Month) started in 1989 as a national observance held every September throughout the month to:
- Celebrate the gains made by those in recovery from substance use and mental health, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.
- Promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices.
- Recognize the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community.
- Commemorate the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH
- Read about addiction: Read up about ways to help a person going through recovery.
- Participate in events: Find out about the events near you. Attend webinars, seminars, or related events to learn about addiction and participate voluntarily. Volunteer in whatever capacity you can to help people fighting addiction.
- Spread awareness: Increase public understanding of addiction as an illness. Join N.G.O.s and other organizations to increase the number of people who can help those in need. Assist in eradicating the stigma associated with addiction.
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Alcohol is most abused: Over 86% of people in America consume alcohol at some point in their lives, and over 88,000 U.S. citizens die from alcohol-related causes.
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Addiction alters brain structure: Addiction offers the brain an injection of dopamine that is so powerful that it is difficult to stop, and the drug’s influence on dopamine reduces as tolerance develops.
- Addiction co-occurs with other disorders: Addiction co-occurs with other health conditions and general mental health disorders.
- Americans consume 80% of prescription pills: Even though Americans make up 5% of the global population, U.S. citizens consume 80% of prescription pills worldwide.
- Most addicts work: According to The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), three-quarters of people with a drug problem are employed.
WHY NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH IS IMPORTANT
- It raises awareness: This month raises awareness about a serious condition. It puts light on the need for change in the world.
- It helps people: This month helps people by giving them the support they need. It educates people and saves many at-risk people.
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It is for a noble cause: It’s for a good cause, and it’ll make a difference in many people’s lives. It lowers the stigma associated with addiction and provides people with the required assistance.
