National Recovery Month is observed each September in the U.S. and has arrived once again. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, this is an annual opportunity to honor those who are in recovery from mental health and addiction issues.
This is a movement that also seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of substance misuse and the opportunities for addiction recovery. Through a variety of programs, people who continue to struggle with a substance use disorder are encouraged to seek treatment.
The theme of Recovery Month in 2018 is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community.” This is a theme that seeks to show how a strong community, integrated care, leadership, and a sense of purpose can contribute to the effective treatment that sustains recovery. Here are several ways that you can observe National Recovery Month this year.
Attend a National or Community Event
National Recovery Month events will be held in cities and towns around the country to bring awareness to addiction recovery, treatment options and prevention. Join with others this month by finding an event near you. You can also participate in these events as a volunteer.
Celebrate with Close Friends and Family
This is also the perfect time to recognize your progress in recovery with close friends and family. Anyone who has a substance use disorder in their past has made some significant changes, likely benefiting loved ones as well. Use this as an opportunity to get together and celebrate this new way of life.
Treat Yourself
Not everyone wants to bring attention to their recovery, and that is okay too. If you would rather celebrate on your own, treat yourself to a day doing something you love. Take some quiet time to reflect on your journey and recognize how far you have come.
Advocate for Addiction Recovery
Addiction recovery month provides the perfect opportunity to speak up about your experiences for the benefit of others who may still be suffering. Get involved in prevention and recovery support groups. You can also advocate with lawmakers who approve funding and legislation for additional resources to address these issues locally and nationwide.
Say “Thank You”
There is a good chance that a few people or organizations played a key role in helping you make the transition to recovery. Take a moment to visit them, give them a call, or send them a note with a “thank you.” Let them know that their efforts have not been forgotten and have a made a difference in your life.
If you are continuing to struggle with a substance use disorder, you can choose this moment as the one in which things will begin to change. No one needs to battle drug or alcohol misuse in isolation. The experienced addiction recovery team at The Orlando Recovery Center can help guide you through detox and will assist you in finding the right treatment program to fit your needs.
Contact us now start your recovery journey and make this the last day that you have to deal with these issues alone.
The Recovery Village aims to improve the quality of life for people struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder with fact-based content about the nature of behavioral health conditions, treatment options and their related outcomes. We publish material that is researched, cited, edited and reviewed by licensed medical professionals. The information we provide is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. It should not be used in place of the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider.