Each September, we celebrate National Recovery Month. However, like most major events of 2020, this year’s observation has changed. Today on the blog, we’ll explain the history and purpose of National Recovery Month; we’ll also let you know how you can celebrate this landmark occasion from the comfort of your own home.
About National Recovery Month
In 1989, SAMHSA – the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration – launched the first annual National Recovery Month. This month-long observance has two goals: to increase awareness surrounding substance use and mental health, and to highlight the success stories which illustrate that living in recovery is possible. These objectives are accomplished through educational seminars, community events and fundraisers.
Fighting Stigma
One of the key reasons that we celebrate National Recovery Month is to dispel the stigma surrounding mental health and addiction. Stigma is a term which references the complex and negative attitudes, beliefs and behaviors surrounding a specific subject or condition. In America and many other parts of the world, mental illness and substance abuse are widely misunderstood. For example, the average person may not understand that addiction is a disease outside of a person’s control. This chronic, progressive condition requires evidence-based treatment. Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding addiction can prevent individuals from receiving much-needed professional help.
National Recovery Month: Celebrating Those in Recovery
The Oxford English Dictionary defines recovery as a return to a normal state of health, mind or strength. It is also described as the action or process of regaining possession of something stolen or lost. Both of these definitions accurately depict what happens when a person overcomes substance abuse to create a better life for themselves.
In spite of the millions of Americans in recovery, the general population may not understand just how common addiction and its effective treatment truly are. With proper clinical intervention, it is completely possible for a person to break the cycle of addiction and find lasting sobriety.
How Things Have Changed
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, SAMHSA has reworked this year’s observance of National Recovery Month. Instead of hosting in-person events and educational seminars, programming has moved fully online. SAMHSA will host a series of webinars throughout the month of September which are accessible to all. Topics include…
- Communities Supporting Recovery
- The Importance of Integrating Recovery Support Services: The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Model
- Integration of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Treatment and Recovery Support
- SAMHSA Transforming Lives Through Supported Employment
These webinars will provide important, groundbreaking information about the field of addiction treatment. All topics share a common thread: connection and community. This is in keeping with this year’s theme for National Recovery Month, which is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.”
How Connections Strengthen Recovery
In the rooms, one phrase comes up very often: nobody does it alone. In fact, the assistance provided by peers, friends and family members can make an incredible difference in the trajectory of your recovery. This sober support network – one which you begin building in treatment and continue to cultivate in your community – keeps your recovery first and serves as a reinforcement throughout all phases of your life.
This September, we celebrate the connections which allow us to thrive in recovery. But how can you join in observing National Recovery Month?
Sharing Your Story During National Recovery Month
While we are not able to join together in person for this observance, there are many ways that you can join us in celebrating National Recovery Month from the comfort of your own home. One of the most impactful steps you can take is to share your own story of recovery. If you are comfortable, consider having conversations or posting to social media about your experience with addiction, treatment and recovery.
You can also share information from recoverymonth.gov, the site which serves as a hub for SAMHSA’s annual observance. This site contains logo files, social media tools, promotional materials, posters and more, which you can use to promote events or share helpful statistics about addiction.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Addiction
At Cumberland Heights, we provide comprehensive addiction treatment along the full continuum of care. We assist clients with all phases of recovery; we offer detoxification, residential, outpatient and case management services. Our Safe Start program utilizes medication-assisted treatment to help individuals struggling with opioid use to stabilize before beginning an inpatient program.
Our clinically sophisticated modalities include…
- Individual therapy
- Group sessions
- Adventure therapy
- Art therapy
- Telehealth
- Relapse prevention programming
- Yoga
- Music therapy
- Spiritual care services
- Therapeutic recreation
- Meditation
- Labyrinth experience
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
In addition to the offerings outlined above, Cumberland Heights’ team of accredited addiction specialists provides support, medical care and treatment for co-occurring disorders. It is our aim to help each person to develop a solid approach to recovery which will last for the rest of their lives.
To learn more about Cumberland Heights and our observance of National Recovery Month, please contact us today.
