Have you ever heard someone talk about Recovery Month and wondered what it was? Recovery Month is an annual event sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It’s designed to help Americans learn about addiction treatment and mental health services and how they can help people lead healthier lives.
When is Recovery Month? It’s held every September to honor the people who have made gains in Recovery and celebrate their dedication and improvements. Recovery Month can be a great way for people recovering from addiction to share their journey with others.
The Importance of Recovery Month
Recovery Month recognizes how difficult it can be to get help, and applauds the efforts made to fight a serious illness. The founders of Recovery Month compare addiction to other diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. Managing this condition can be difficult, and that’s why success stories should be honored.
This event also works to is de-stigmatize addiction. Many people feel embarrassed or ashamed of past drug or alcohol addiction. The more that family and friends understand this disease, the less stigma it carries. Recovery Month encourages visibility for those who have tackled their addiction.
Recovery Month shows others who may be struggling with addiction that Recovery is possible. It may even inspire someone to get help. Seeing others who have felt the same way and have moved on in their lives could be the spark a person needs to get treatment.
Ideas for Recovery Month Activities
Recovery Month activities can bring together the community and allow those in Recovery to demonstrate that they are just like others, helping de-stigmatize the disease. By uniting those who have struggled with addiction with others who may have questions, people can learn more about the disease and what it means to fight it.
Here are four Recovery Month activities you can try:
- Host a Recovery Month walk or run: Choose a short distance and have small prizes for everyone who finishes, emphasizing the importance of seeing your journey through in a race, just as in Recovery.
- Put on a Recovery Month open house: Agencies or organizations that work with people in the community can sponsor an open house where people share their testimony about Recovery and how it has aided them.
- Hold a Recovery Month legislative forum: What big issues face your state related to addiction? Highlight them in a forum that brings together legislators and people from the community to hold an open dialogue. You might host a breakfast or all-day affair. Invite people in Recovery to speak along with officials such as state legislators or even your governor.
How 7 Summit Pathways Can Help
Recovery Month puts a face on drug and alcohol addiction and shows that Recovery from this disease is possible. Are you struggling with addiction or suspect a family member may be?
At 7 Summit Pathways, we offer personalized support and evidence-based treatment during and after the Recovery process. Contact us today or schedule an appointment to see how we can assist you.