September is National Recovery Month — an observance that educates and raises awareness for Americans. It demonstrates the fact that treatments and services for addictions and mental health can enable people to live happy and rewarding lives. The observance celebrates the gains made and goals achieved by those afflicted. Recovery Month helps spread the positive message that behavioral health impacts overall health and that treatment is effective.
The History Of Recovery
The history of addiction counseling in the U.S. goes far back. The 18th century brought the rise of mutual recovery groups, which provided addiction treatments in the United States. In the 20th century, these addiction recovery groups evolved from the Lay Therapy group in Boston to Alcoholics Anonymous in 1935. Finally, in the 1970’s, federal involvement took place in these recovery centers.
Concept Of Recovery Month
National Recovery Month was established to raise awareness about the positive impacts of recovery. Recovery Month is in its 27th year, and it continues to illustrate how individuals have overcome obstacles and reclaimed their lives.
Every September, thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and organizations join in and celebrate. All over the country, they share success stories to educate the public about recovery and its positive impact. They go over questions like how it works, who does it work for, and why it works.
There are many success stories about recovery that go unnoticed. Recovery Month is there to provide a voice and celebrate these accomplishments.
Show Support People In Recovery
Help promote Recovery Month. Education and awareness begin with you. You can find a local recovery event near you to get started.
How To Support
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration outlines many ways you can support and promote Recovery Month:
- Use the 2016 Monthly Toolkit to increase awareness. There are many different methods and approaches in the toolkit to help spread awareness.
- Spread the word about Recovery Month. This can be done through social media.
- Link the Recovery Month website to your website.
- Download graphics, banners, logos, or flyers to post to your website.
- Repurpose any public service announcements to generate interest.
- Encourage your local government to designate September as National Recovery Month.
What Recovery Looks Like In 2016
Each year, a theme is chosen and developed. The theme for Recovery Month 2016 is Join the Voices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery! This year’s theme highlights the positive impact of family support. This year, we can expect individuals and their family members to share personal stories and successes to encourage others.
