Each September, we observe National Recovery Month; it’s an excellent opportunity to shine a light on the disease of addiction. Alcohol and substance use disorders affect one of the fastest-growing populations on the planet. There are more addicts and alcoholics in the United States than all the people residing in California, our most populous state.
This National Recovery Month is unlike any other; this is the first time that the observance is almost entirely virtual. Naturally, there are advantages and disadvantages to this year’s approach.
Some might dislike the impersonal component aspect of attending webinars. However, more people may attend events because they are spending more time at home and less in the office. Time will tell. Whatever your situation is in the coming weeks, we hope that you will find the opportunity to take part in this vital initiative.
National Recovery Month could mean something different to each individual. Some might take action and host events, while others could use the observance to spread valuable information about treatment and recovery services. Others still might look at Recovery Month as a chance to acknowledge the hard work and progress made by the millions of individuals working a program.
It does not matter how you take part, as long as you have some role. In its 31st year, National Recovery Month organizers are focusing on the inter-connectivity between everyone in recovery; including, family members and addiction/mental health professionals. No one recovers alone, and during a global pandemic, each of us has had to rely heavily on digital forms of connection.
This year’s theme for National Recovery Month is Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.
The 2020 National Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections,” reminds people in recovery and those who support them, that we all have victories to celebrate and things we may wish we had done differently. This is true of everyone and, as in most cases, we cannot do it alone. Recovery Month will continue to educate others about substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders, the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services, and that recovery is possible. All of us, from celebrities and sports figures to our co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family members, throughout our lives have experienced peaks and valleys, both big and small. But, with strength, support, and hope from the people we love, we are resilient.
Join the Voices During National Recovery Month
How you use your time today will determine the progress you make tomorrow. Moreover, the message you spread throughout National Recovery Month can impact the lives of men and women who are still suffering in their disease.
During these challenging times of societal division and strife, men and women in recovery can take solace in knowing that they share a common bond with their fellow persons. Moreover, many people working a program are struggling to keep their recovery intact. Right now, joining the voices of recovery and celebrating your connection with the fellowship is paramount.
Perhaps you have a friend who relapsed recently? If so, take the time to reach out to them; let said person know that they are not alone. Remind them that they need not let shame or guilt prevent them from returning to the path of recovery.
Another goal you can set for yourself this September is engaging with the untold number of Americans who are using drugs and alcohol to cope with the pandemic. Research from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates that mental illness symptom incidences are far higher this year compared to the same period last year. Furthermore, many of the people struggling with such symptoms are using drugs and alcohol to cope. The CDC found:
Overall, 40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental or behavioral health condition, including symptoms of anxiety disorder or depressive disorder (30.9%), symptoms of a trauma- and stressor-related disorder (TSRD) related to the pandemic (26.3%), and having started or increased substance use to cope with stress or emotions related to COVID-19 (13.3%).
Faces & Voices of Recovery
We want to point out that National Recovery Month is no longer sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Now, Faces & Voices of Recovery has taken over stewardship of the annual observance. Their mission:
Faces & Voices of Recovery is dedicated to organizing and mobilizing the over 23 million Americans in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs, our families, friends and allies into recovery community organizations and networks, to promote the right and resources to recover through advocacy, education and demonstrating the power and proof of long-term recovery.
There is a new Recovery Month website. Please click the links to learn more about National Recovery Month events or submit your event.
California Addiction Recovery Center for Men and Women
September 2020 can be your opportunity to break the cycle of addiction and learn how to live a productive life in recovery. At Hope By The Sea, we utilize the latest evidence-based treatment and recovery practices to help men and women heal from addiction and start their lives anew. Please contact us today to learn more about our programs and services. Hope Starts Here!
