On August 31st Hope By The Sea, along with treatment centers and others whose lives have been touched by addiction, observed International Overdose Awareness Day. The purpose of raising awareness about overdose is to remind ourselves about the deadly nature of addiction. And to remember that the mental health conditions like substance use disorder are treatable, recovery is possible, and overdose is preventable.
It is fitting that the following day marked the beginning of September, which happens to be National Recovery Month. Each year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) sponsors this important observance. SAMHSA guides the annual event and creates a toolkit and promotional graphics to help individuals and organizations increase awareness about recovery. Every one of us can play a role in helping spread the message about the possibility of recovery; in doing so, we have the ability to empower more people to help end the stigma of addiction and encourage those suffering to seek help.
The theme of the 29th annual National Recovery Month is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community.”
Spread the Word, The Miracle of Recovery Can Be Yours Too
Addiction treatment services can be found in every state, in one form or another. But, unfortunately, the vast majority of people living alcohol and substance use disorders never reach out for help even when it’s available. Communities, both small and large, have a vested interest in seeing more people seek recovery; and, eroding the stigma of addiction is an effective means of accomplishing such a task.
Stigma loses its footing in society the more We talk about the disease as a treatable mental health condition, not a moral failing or even worse, a crime. The internet is proving to be invaluable in that respect; it allows people to come together and share inspiring stories of hope and recovery. A significant number of people battling use disorder and co-occurring mental illness resign themselves to thinking that recovery isn’t possible and that they will likely die in the grips of their disease. Taking to the internet to spread the message, as well as attending National Recovery Month events, is an excellent way for people in recovery to carry the message that there is another way.
Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.
All through the month events are occurring that you can attend. If you are unable to find the time for Recovery Month activities, you can take to social media to raise awareness and encourage men and women to seek care. Please follow the link to find promotional materials.
Addiction Recovery
Seeking help and beginning to work a program of recovery takes tremendous courage. Seemingly, the disease does everything in its power to keep the status quo; but, it is possible to resist the condition and find hope. Please contact Hope By The Sea to learn more about the services we offer, and to determine if we are the right fit for you or a loved one. Please, take it from our team – many of which who are themselves working a program – the miracle of recovery can be yours too.
