Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance misuse treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.
Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate health improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. This observance reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, that evidence-based treatment is effective, and people can and do recover from addiction.
Each year, Recovery Month selects a new theme to spread the message and share success stories of treatment and recovery. Last year’s theme was “Celebrating Connections,” this year, the Recovery Month observance will work “to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible,” writes the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) on their Recovery Month page.
This year’s Recovery Month theme, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” reminds people in recovery and those who support them that no one is alone in their recovery journey. Everyone’s journey is different, but we are all in this together. “Recovery Month will continue to educate others about substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders, the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services, and that recovery is possible,” writes NAADAC. “All of us, from celebrities and sports figures to our co-workers, neighbors, friends, and family members, throughout our lives have experienced peaks and valleys, both big and small. But with strength, support, and hope from the people we love, we are resilient.”
New Host This Year
Previously, Recovery Month was sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In June 2020, SAMHSA announced its decision to retire its annual convening of Recovery Month stakeholders as well as the development of future themes and assets, and the management of the events calendar.
Faces & Voices of Recovery has created a new Recovery Month website hosting all Recovery Month events and assets that make this celebration possible. You can download shareable graphics and more on that website.
Finally, you, too, can be part of it: What’s happening for #recoverymonth in your community? Once an event takes place, share photos and event information for all to see! Once uploaded, all photos undergo a brief review and then could be published here!
Harmony Foundation has been part of the recovery community for decades. We are one of the longest-running and most successful addiction treatment centers in the world. If you or a loved one are struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, or you have questions about our programs, call us today at (866) 686-7867 to get the help needed as soon as possible.