Many people struggle with mental and substance use disorders, such as alcohol addiction, but there are also millions of people who are living happy, healthy lives in recovery that often go unnoticed. While anyone who suffers from mental and substance use disorders should always be encouraged to seek help, September is a time to focus our attention on the success of those who have sought help and are in recovery.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) designated the month of September as National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month, which praises individuals who have reclaimed their lives after struggling with mental and substance use disorders and honors the prevention, treatment, and recovery service providers who helped make their recovery possible.
Though the observance focuses on celebrating recovery, National Recovery Month also promotes the individual and societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders; encourages communities to expand and improve the availability of recovery and mental health services; and promotes the positive message that prevention works, treatment is effective, and recovery is possible.
All across the country, sponsors and affiliates of National Recovery Month celebrate the observance and educate the public through hundreds of community events, including sports games, picnics, rallies, walks, luncheons, and dinners.
National Recovery Month reminds us that through treatment and mental health services, those battling substance use or mental disorders can go on to live a healthy and rewarding life. The first step toward obtaining that life is to seek help. If you or a loved one is suffering from a mental disorder, a drug or alcohol addiction, or both, please visit www.recoverymonth.gov to learn more about recovery for all ages and find treatment and mental health service providers and other resources. You can also find information about mental and substance use disorders, prevention, treatment, and recovery at www.samhsa.gov.