The recovery is not a goal, the recovery is a process that takes bravery, strength and encouragement. National Recovery Month is celebrated each September in the United States to recognize people in recovery, emphasize the value of mental health and substance use treatment, and celebrate the power of the community that united to promote healing.
National Recovery Month can remind you or your loved one that you are starting the recovery process, or that you are just offering support to those who are overcoming addiction and mental health issues.
What is National Recovery Month?
National Recovery Month is a national holiday celebrated in September every year to promote and support emerging evidence-based treatment and recovery practice. It also celebrates the hard-working professionals without which recovery cannot occur, including therapists and counselors, as well as recovery coaches and treatment experts.
The program was introduced in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Since that time, it has become a nationwide movement that brings hope to millions of people who have issues with addiction and mental illness.
In its most fundamental form, National Recovery Month delivers the message that treatment is effective, recovery does exist, and that there is life beyond addiction and it can be healthy and full.
When is National Recovery Month?
You may ask, What is the National Recovery Month, The answer is easy:
National Recovery Month is held in September each year.
During the month, individuals, families and organizations organize events, awareness campaigns and educational programs to highlight the plight of addiction and mental illness and to celebrate the successes of recovery.
Why National Recovery Month Matters
Millions of Americans are affected by substance use disorders and mental health struggles every year. Sadly, many people will not get the help they need due to stigma. National Recovery Month is an important tool in removing these barriers by:
- Reducing stigma: Facilitating the open dialogue on addiction and recovery.
- Creation of awareness: Education of communities about the reality that addiction is a medical, not a moral disease.
- Building resiliency: Shining the light around inspirational stories of people who have rebuilt their lives in recovery.
- Building hope: Showing that one can always recover with the right help.
This practice can serve to build a much more kind and supportive atmosphere in which healing is able to flourish.
National Recovery Month Facts
The following are the strong National Recovery Month facts that would make you realize its effects:
- Established in 1989: SAMHSA was founded with the intention of raising addiction and recovery awareness.
- Millions of people affected: Over 20 million Americans are in recovery of substance use disorders.
- Community-based: There are walks, rallies, educational webinars, art shows, and social media campaigns.
- International reach: Its influence has motivated recovery-based celebrations in all over the globe even though the headquarters is located in the U.S.
- Annual themes: Every year, a new theme brings to the fore varying issues of recovery, such as developing resilience and nurturing families.
National Recovery Month Ideas for Participation
Questioning what you can do to participate in National Addiction Recovery Month? Some significant National Recovery Month concepts include the following:
- Get involved in an event: Participate in a local walk, rally or community meeting.
- Share recovery stories: Empower the community with recovery stories of yourself and other people you love.
- Wear the color of recovery: Be in solidarity with those in recovery (learn about colors below).
- Donate your time: Help local therapy and shelters or recovery organizations.
- Increase awareness on the Internet: Hashtags like #RecoveryMonth must be marketed to motivate the social media.
- Educate yourself and others: watch a webinar, listen to recovery podcasts or read addiction and mental health books.
Your attendance will not only aid others in the recovery process but it will also help to remove the stigma surrounding addiction.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
We know that it takes a lot of guts to make the first step on the road to recovery at Valiant Detox and Assessment Center. We are a caring team with individualized care, evidence-based treatment, and an atmosphere of support to help people reestablish their lives with confidence and strength.
Call us today (720)-796-6885 to talk with our team and begin your road to long-term recovery.
Ready to take the first step toward your recovery journey? Contact Valiant Detox and Assessment Center today and let us guide you toward a healthier, brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions about National Recovery Month
Is there a National Recovery Month?
Yes, there is such a thing as National Recovery Month, which is celebrated every September in the United States. It is a yearly occasion that honors advancements of people in recovery, cultivates a sense of the worth of therapy as it pertains to mental well-being and substance misuse, and acknowledges professionals who make a treatment like this attainable. It is an effective reminder that anyone can be cured if there are the necessary support, resources, and will.
What is the color for National Recovery Month?
Purple is the national color of National Recovery Month which is a color of courage, transformation and healing. The color purple is usually worn in events and other community events during the month of September to support the people who are in recovery. It symbolizes the power and stability involved in battling addiction and mental health challenges. Wearing purple or taking part in campaigns to raise awareness brings hope and support to individuals still in the process of recovery.
Is there a color for sobriety?
Yes the female color of sobriety is silver, which embodies clarity, renewal and strength. Silver is usually equated to a new sober life and light after getting out of the darkness of addiction. Silver is an item of jewelry, a ribbon or awareness campaign used by many recovery communities as a symbol of sobriety milestones. It is also one of the colours which bring pride in the strides which have been achieved and act as an encouragement to those who are yet to achieve their recovery.
Is October a recovery month?
No, it is not even National Recovery Month because that time is in September every year. However, the month of October is still very important as far as awareness and advocacy are concerned. In October, communities observe the National Substance Abuse Prevention Month, which focuses on education, prevention measures and early intervention. Although it is, strictly speaking, a recovery-related topic, October can be used to continue discussions about addiction, substance use and mental health, and make sure that awareness and support are not halted after September.
What awareness month is October?
In the United States, October is a nationwide month of awareness of preventing drug abuse. It is also a month of raising awareness of the risks of substance abuse, prevention strategies, and encouraging communities to come together and reduce the impact of addiction. It also coincides with other mental health and wellness events, which means sustained discussions around treatment and recovery. As September is the month of celebrating healing and progress during National Recovery Month, October is the month of preventing substance use problems before they start and helping healthier communities.
