National Recovery Month 2016: Celebrating Life-Saving Change That Happens Each Day

Thus far in 2016, perhaps more than any year in recent memory, we have seen profound changes in the extent to which addiction has been recognized as a disease that has devastating impacts and national significance. Presidential candidates have shared their experiences and helped put the issue on the political and health policy agenda. The public has shared moments and the media have covered trends that illustrate the most disturbing impact of increases in the use and the power of new substances on the street. And the current Administration and Congress have recently pushed forward comprehensive legislation that is a welcome, albeit perhaps long overdue, measure to help address an age-old problem with deepening public health implications.

All of these have been resoundingly positive developments in a battle to raise awareness and work toward progress. But they also overwhelmingly point back to the problem. In looking at the trajectory of substance use, addiction rates, and fatalities over the last few years, it can be easy to get stuck on the problems addiction poses. And yet, as those involved personally or professionally with recovery well know, there is a solution. We do recover. And that miracle, that gift, of personal and spiritual change happens every day. It is an incredible and awe-inspiring thing to witness, a testament to the ability of people – with help, willingness, and hard work – to transform their lives, a ray of hope that gives off a big and bold light.

This September – and for the last 26 years – National Recovery Month helps refocus our attention and energy on what is possible by celebrating the journeys of those who have found better, fuller lives without drugs and alcohol, and by honoring the prevention, treatment, and recovery service providers who help encourage and facilitate such life-affirming change. It is also an opportunity to educate the public about certain truths of long-term recovery: that behavioral and mental health is essential to overall well-being, that prevention is effective, and that treatment works and is available for those who suffer. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Recovery Month represents a positive, continuing call-to-action to both citizens and professionals touched by addiction to doing what they can to work towards policies, services, and systems that will help more of those in need find the help and care that they deserve. The spirit and purpose of Recovery Month underscore what so many of us in the treatment field try to commit ourselves to every day and we are proud to be part of this important, ongoing observance.

The theme for this year’s activities is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery!” which highlights the value of family support throughout recovery. The theme also encourages individuals in recovery and their family members to share their personal stories and successes to inspire others. But even if you have not been personally impacted by addiction, there are a wealth of resources and tools that you can access to educate yourself and help spread the word. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has released new public service announcements that not only provide important information to individuals about how recovery works but help media and other organizations share these critical messages with broad public audiences. A new 2016 toolkit is available to support local outreach and events.  Digital banners, logos, and flyers can be posted on personal websites or used on social media platforms to show support for recovery and link peers and readers to valuable information. And both SAMSHA and Faces and Voices of Recovery are sponsoring events across the country that will better connect people around substance abuse and treatment issues.

But no matter how you choose to engage and celebrate this month, do so. Get involved and share what the miracle of recovery means to you. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence has defined recovery as a “complex and dynamic process encompassing all the positive benefits to physical, mental, and social health that can happen when people with an addiction to alcohol or drugs, or their family members, get the help they need.” Individuals in recovery – as part of a national survey – have variously indicated that recovery means “living a life that contributes to society, to your family or to your betterment” and “being the kind of person that people can count on.” That’s pretty important and inspiring stuff in our book. And it happens every day…