National Recovery Month is here! Recovery Month is a national observance to educate Americans that substance abuse treatment and mental health services can and do work to help people live a healthy and rewarding life.
There have been great strides made in the recovery environment, many of which go unnoticed. The primary message for the month is that recovery is real. It’s not some myth. It can be obtained with family and community support.
Unfortunately, the pandemic has brought out many of the triggers for substance abuse. Anxiety, depression, isolation and loneliness have contributed to an uptick in overdoses, suicides and relapse over the last 20 months. This makes it more important than ever to celebrate those who have achieved recovery and the individuals and organizations who support them. When we honor the process and the people involved, we can raise more awareness and hope for those still struggling.
The 2021 theme is “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.” It highlights how important it is to remember that no one is alone, we are all in this together, although everyone’s recovery is different.
Recovery Month also honors several important dates:
- August 31 – International Overdose Awareness Day – overdoseday.com
- September 5-11 – Suicide Prevention Week
- September 9 – Recovery Month Kick Off Events
- September 10 – World Suicide Prevention Day
- September 20 – National Addictions Professionals Day
- September 30 – International Recovery Day
To learn more and to find materials to host a Recovery Month event in your community, visit facesandvoicesofrecovery.org
ALSO, if you are anywhere near Ketchikan, AK on Saturday, September 18, join our community at STOMP THE STIGMA. This annual march raises awareness about substance abuse and mental health and supports those who struggle with these issues and their families. (Stomp the Stigma will be held at The Plaza at 11 a.m.)