National Recovery Month is celebrated by millions of people all over the United States every September. It is a significant event that brings to the fore the power and resilience of a person in recovery, the professionals that help them, and creates awareness of the significance of treatment in substance use, and mental health issues.
When is National Recovery Month, What is National Recovery Month, What should I do on national recovery month, What are the common questions about National Recovery Month? all these questions and facts, ideas on how to get involved, and answers to what you need to know are all answered in this guide.
When is National Recovery Month?
The National Recovery Month is observed every month in September. Since 1989, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has been celebrating the month in a bid to restore hope and recovery among recovery-oriented individuals who are grappling with addiction and depression.
September was the month to bring out a new beginning since the fall season is symbolic of change, transformation and, similar to the recovery process itself, a new beginning.
National Recovery Month is not just another day in the calendar. it is a nationwide movement which:
- Raises Awareness – Educates communities about substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and the effectiveness of treatment.
- Celebrates Recovery – Honors the Victories of people who have found freedom and equilibrium in recovery.
- Assists Families and Communities – Assists in being understanding, compassionate and supportive of addicts.
- The Professionals Are Identified – Gives credit to professionals, counselors and recovery advocates who assist individuals in discovering their path to recovery.
In a nutshell, National Recovery Month is a call to remember that the recovery is there and worth celebrating.
National Recovery Month Facts
Some of the facts, which make the observance of September meaningful, are the following:
- Inauguration 1989 – The concept was then known as Treatment Works! Month.
- Expanded Mission – Includes Substance use and mental health recovery.
- International Respectability – It began in the U.S., but recovery communities across the world have embraced the message.
- Community-Based Events- Recovery walks, educational workshops and community gatherings take place throughout the month of September.
- Annual Theme- There is another theme of the year to speak about, such as Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.
These facts regarding National Recovery Month make us understand that we still have work to do in terms of fighting stigma and reminding the nation that millions of people live healthy post-addiction lives.
National Recovery Month Ideas: How to Get Involved
Whether you are recovering, have loved ones, are in the medical community, or in any other community, you can participate in a number of ways. Here are just some of the ideas of National Recovery Month that you can implement this September:
- Attend a Recovery Walk or Rally- Attend community-based activities that enable unity and recovery.
- Share Stories– Share recovery stories on social media with a hashtag of #RecoveryMonth.
- Host an Educational Event – Organize workshops in schools, workplaces, or community centers.
- Wear Purple – This is the official color of recovery; put it on throughout the month.
- Volunteer in Treatment Centers- Help local agencies help people get into recovery.
- Compliment- Compliment friends, relatives, or workmates who have achieved.
- Donate to Recovery Programs- Help support services to needy and treatment.
Not only do these activities raise awareness, they also make better and stronger communities which are healthy.
Why National Recovery Month Matters
Millions of Americans are impacted each year with addiction and mental health problems. According to national surveys, nearly 1 in 12 adults in the United States has a substance use disorder. National Recovery Month is one of the means to break the stigma and prove that he or she could get better with proper treatment, help, and commitment.
September is a wake-up call and a reminder of hope to many; to seek treatment, support their loved ones, and demand more convenient treatment services.
Final Thoughts
What then is National Recovery Month? The answer is the month of September when we celebrate recoveries, stigmatize less, and assist people and families with addiction and mental health problems.
By participating in National Recovery Month, you can contribute to bringing hope and healing to your community with such concepts as wearing purple, sharing stories that bring hope, and more.
We provide evidence-based care with compassion to help achieve long-term recovery at Solutions Healthcare. Our team of hard working people will be there to help you.
One call to a better future, a healthier life, one call can change your life, call us today (386) 866-3600.
FAQs About National Recovery Month
Is there a National Recovery Month?
Yes. To honor individuals undergoing recovery, their families and raise awareness regarding addiction and mental health treatment, National Recovery Month is observed on the first week of each September.
What is the color for National Recovery Month?
National Recovery Month has the purple color as its official color, which represents the courage, change, and strength in the recovery process. Purple is a sign of individual and societal strength, of the fact that as long as we seek treatment, care, and community attention, we can recover.
Is there a color for sobriety?
Yes. The color purple is actually known to be the color of sobriety and recovery awareness. It means oneness, hope and the readiness to resist addiction. The use or wearing of purple at recovery events is an effective means of honoring those who are sober and encouraging others who are just starting to recover.
Is October a recovery month?
No. October is not National Recovery Month September is. Other events do occur in October, though, such as National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
What awareness month is October?
Some of the awareness campaigns that are conducted during October include:
- Breast Cancer Awareness Month
- Domestic Violence Awareness Month
- National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month