We spend a lot of our time on prevention and education of those suffering from substance misuse. And in September, we focus on recovery. Celebrating those who have worked so hard to achieve sobriety and even harder to maintain it, should be an everyday thing. You can support your community by learning ways to engage in healthy activities to support those in recovery at every step of the journey.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) delivers four weeks of messages for communities and families to support Recovery Month. SAMHSA works off the four pillars of Recovery, Health, Home, Purpose and Community.
Week 1 (Sep 1–7): Health
Key Message: We can strive to be healthier and achieve our wellness goals.
This week we highlight aspects of well-being and their importance to recovery.
- We can overcome challenges related to mental health and substance use conditions.
- It is OK to reach out for help with substance use and mental health conditions.
- Making informed healthy choices can support our well-being.
- It’s OK and important to reach out for help, especially if addiction or mental health conditions are affecting our relationships, work, or day-to-day life.
Week 2 (Sep 8–14): Home
Key Message: We all need a stable and safe place to call home.
This week’s focus is on the impact a safe and stable living environment has on recovery from mental health and substance use problems.
- A home provides the foundation for a life in recovery.
- Home is a safe, stable, and soft space to land…even on those really hard days.
- Creating safe, affordable housing for all with mental health and substance use conditions supports their recovery.
Week 3 (Sep 15–21): Purpose
Key Message: Finding purpose in life may be a powerful driver for recovery.
This week we highlight the importance of purpose as a motivator for positive change.
- Purpose includes meaningful daily activities.
- Employment can support recovery, give a sense of purpose, and a way to provide for yourself and your family.
- Purpose may include a job, school, volunteering, caregiving, or creative pursuits.
- Spirituality can bring a sense of purpose and meaning that helps foster recovery.
- Helping others can bring a great sense of purpose and contribute to recovery.
Week 4 (Sep 22–28): Community
Key Message: Building social supports and a caring community is essential for recovery.
This week we highlight how feeling a sense of belonging can help people on their recovery journey.
- We do not recover alone. Recovery can be easier with the support of others.
- Community can include people who accept us and encourage us to grow.
- Family, friends, peers, and others play an important role in someone’s recovery.
- Recovery is supported through meaningful relationships.
- Social inclusion, not isolation, is important for recovery.
If you or someone you know needs help finding a treatment solution that works for you, reach out! There are national hotlines and local resources. You can call us at TSS and we’ll work on getting you to someone that can support you. You don’t have to do it alone.