Addiction is an impactful and life-changing disease that can affect anyone.
Unfortunately, many misconceptions and prejudice linked to drug and alcohol addiction make it more difficult for people with these diseases to share their struggles and get the help they need. At Banyan rehab in Gilman, Illinois, we have an idea of how scary or intimidating it can be to talk to someone about your addiction or reach out for help. Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland is all for addiction and mental health awareness, so we’re proud to share more information about National Recovery Month and what it means.
Is September National Recovery Month?
Yes, National Recovery Month is annually held in September. National Recovery Month began in 1989 and was originally called Treatment Works! Month. At first, it was a national and month-long observance held to honor hardworking addiction treatment specialists like those who care for our patients at Banyan Heartland. Then, in 1998, the event was renamed National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in an effort to honor both healthcare professionals in the addiction field and those individuals suffering from substance use disorders.
It wasn’t until 2011 that the event was renamed National Recovery Month. This most recent change was done in an effort to include healthcare professionals and patients of the addiction field as well as other segments of behavioral health.
What Is National Recovery Month?
National Recovery Month is a national observance of substance use treatment and mental health services that allow individuals with addictions and mental disorders to live healthy lives. During National Recovery Month 2021, various activities and events are held every Sunday to offer education to communities about addiction and mental illness. Along with other recovery-related dates and events, the purpose of National Recovery Month is to bring awareness to the importance of drug treatment programs and mental health services and to celebrate the efficacy of these treatment options.
National Recovery Month Activities in 2021
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) currently works with over 300 partnering organizations every year on event development, materials, sponsorship, and more. They also provide a Recovery Month Toolkit, allowing people from all over the country to participate.
The theme for the event changes every year. The theme for National Recovery Month 2021 is “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” to remind people in addiction recovery and their supporters that no one is alone in the journey of recovery. Now in the 32nd year of National Recovery Month, there are several ways you can participate, even if you haven’t been personally impacted by drug or alcohol addiction.
- Educate yourself on addiction
- Sign up for an event
- Host your own event either virtually or with a group
- Volunteer at an addiction treatment facility in your community (if you’re able to)
If you know someone struggling with addiction, offer them your love and support, which is the best way to break down the stigmas and myths about addiction and remind those battling substance use disorders that they’re not alone.
Whether you’re interested in addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one, call Banyan Treatment Centers Heartland now at 888-280-4763 to learn more about our inpatient substance abuse treatment in Illinois.
