September is National Recovery Month!

Throughout the month of September, national organizations like the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) will celebrate National Recovery Month.

Established in 1989, Recovery Month promotes awareness of addiction and mental health treatment and the ability of those suffering to recover and enjoy a rewarding life. It focuses on the positive outcomes of many recovery stories, and highlights the need for improved availability of addiction and mental health treatment services, as well as education and prevention.

Recovery Month also serves as an opportunity to celebrate not only people in recovery, but those who provide recovery services.

As a nationally-recognized observance, Recovery Month provides a unique opportunity to educate the public on the true nature of addiction and mental health issues, while also shining a spotlight on the ability and resiliency of people in recovery, and the inspiring stories that don’t often make the news.

This year’s Recovery Month theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Visible, Vocal, Valuable!” The theme represents an effort to reduce the negative stigmas associated with substance use disorders and treatment. The theme changes every year, and is designed to be relevant and timely.

Find Recovery Month celebrations and events in your area, or learn more about National Recovery Month!