Drug addiction affects millions of Americans, often negatively impacting their work, relationships, health, and well-being. While more effort is being put towards addiction recovery and various addiction treatment programs, there is still a long way to go. Educating people about the afflictions experienced by those battling substance abuse is one way to fight drug addiction. In this post, we highlight why we celebrate National Recovery Month, including the contributions Blueprint Recovery Center is making towards addiction recovery.
What Is National Recovery Month?
Held every September, National Recovery Month is a nationwide observance held to educate Americans on the treatment programs that enable those battling substance use or mental illnesses to live a rewarding and healthy life. It was created in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration and was initially known as Treatment Works! Month.
When first created, its focus was on honoring the work of those in the addiction profession. In 1998, the celebrations were made to acknowledge the efforts of those battling substance abuse as well. The most recent change was also made to recognize behavioral health, which led to the event taking its current format in 2011.
This Year’s Recovery Month Theme
Every year, the event champions one theme used to spread a consistent message while sharing addiction treatment programs’ successes. This year’s event aims to continue inspiring people, enabling them to recognize the resilience and strength in recovery. Also, the event hopes that through educating the broad population on substance abuse disorders, those battling addiction can be supported and encouraged to seek treatment to aid in addiction recovery.
The theme for 2020’s National Recovery Month is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.” This year’s theme focuses on reminding those in recovery and those supporting them that there are always victories that can be celebrated. Efforts will also be directed at educating others about co-occurring disorders. Through treatment, addiction recovery is possible, but rarely can an individual achieve it on their own. Everyone experiences highs and lows, but with the support, hope, and strength we receive from friends and loved ones, we can be resilient.
Ways You Can Celebrate National Recovery Month
When September comes around, thousands of addiction treatment programs celebrate the successes they have experienced. By reaching out to colleagues, neighbors, friends, and family, they help educate others about the benefits of recovery. Often, the transformation of those in recovery experience can go unnoticed. However, thanks to National Recovery Month, every one of their accomplishments is now celebrated nationwide.
There are various ways you can celebrate National Recovery Month. One way is by engaging your community, being a voice of awareness, and challenging present-day misconceptions about drug addiction and treatment. Ways you can mark the month-long event include:
- Contributing to a local or national fundraiser in support of recovery-related organizations
- Reaching out to your community to discuss recovery efforts in your area
- Sharing resource material written by treatment professionals or those in recovery
- Reaching out to friends and family battling substance abuse, spreading messages of support and encouraging them to seek treatment
Just as people celebrate achievements made by those battling other health conditions like cancer, National Recovery Month sheds light on those in recovery. Having their efforts noticed reinforces positivity and motivation as they go through various treatments. Some of these treatments include:
- Intensive outpatient programs
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Men’s rehab center
- Women’s rehab center
- Partial hospitalization programs
Recovering at Blueprint Recovery Center
At Blueprint Recovery Center, our support for those recovering from substance abuse disorders is constant all year round. We aim to provide you with experienced care providers that would help you cope with substance abuse and co-occurring disorders in a supportive environment. We try to give those battling drug addiction the support and hope needed to achieve long-lasting recovery. Call Blueprint Recovery Center at 833.654.1004 this National Recovery Month and learn more about our treatment programs.
