September is not just about the transition from summer to autumn or the onset of the holiday season. It stands prominently as National Recovery Month. This month serves as a tribute to individuals who have conquered opioid, alcohol and other substance use disorders. It also spotlights the crucial treatment services that make these success stories possible.
National Recovery Month is an annual beacon, highlighting the pressing concerns surrounding substance use disorders, especially the increasing cases of opioid and alcohol use disorders. These challenges span the nation from coast to coast. This month not only celebrates those who’ve found their way back from addiction but also conveys that recovery is within everyone’s reach.
In 1989, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched National Recovery Month. Its primary objective was to raise public awareness about addiction and mental health services that have saved millions of lives.
National Recovery Month highlights the rising cases of substance use disorders and mental illnesses across America. While it honors those in recovery, it also emphasizes that help is available for those feeling lost in their struggles.
While it’s been 34 years since National Recovery Month was founded, there is still more work to be done. The opioid crisis surged in the late 90s and has since intensified. Our nation now wrestles with alarming overdose rates. The COVID-19 pandemic and the increase of fentanyl have made problems worse, especially for individuals living with opioid use disorder.
As we move into life after the pandemic, it’s important to spread the word about National Recovery Month and the services available for substance use disorders.
National Recovery Month is more than just a yearly event; it’s a call to understand and support those battling opioid, alcohol and other substance use disorders. By shining a light on the challenges and triumphs of recovery, we aim to change how society views these disorders. Here why this month matters so much:
Substance use disorder, especially opioid and alcohol use disorders, is still clouded in misconceptions. Despite the alarming rates of substance misuse in rural and urban settings, a large percentage of people continue to remain hesitant to accept medication-assisted treatment. Therefore, debunking these misconceptions is essential to end the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, including opioid and alcohol disorder.
It’s vital to understand that addiction isn’t a choice. Many individuals grappling with mental health issues, inadvertently turn to substance misuse. Opening a dialogue about the co-occurrence of addiction and mental illness can shed light. It can also help many understand how these conditions connect, which can help promote empathy.
The notion that “rehab” in an inpatient facility hundreds of miles away from home is the only way to treat addiction and mental health issues is entirely outdated. Local help, especially for those battling opioid and alcohol use disorders, is readily available. There’s an urgent need to expand access, especially in rural areas, but many medical providers are becoming licensed and specialized in prescribing office-based opioid treatment medications from their practices.
Those who grapple with addiction and failing mental health tend to isolate themselves from the people they love. It can also cause damage to those relationships due to a disease that prioritizes their substance misuse above all else. The collective strength of the recovery community, both online and offline, has been invaluable for countless individuals on their recovery journey. Many have been able to repair their lives from the destruction of untreated addiction with the help of their peers.
The people in recovery are living testaments to the efficacy of modern-day medication-assisted treatment and everything encompassing a well-balanced recovery journey. Those in recovery are the best advocates for what is possible for people still hesitant to reach out for help to take the first few critical steps. National Recovery Month is the perfect opportunity for those who have changed their lives to speak about their experiences and inspire others to follow in their footsteps to work towards a better tomorrow.
At Middlesex Recovery, we understand that addiction isn’t a one-size-fits-all challenge. We believe in the power of evidence-based treatment and the effectiveness of medication-assisted treatment (MAT). Our experienced team is dedicated to guiding individuals through their unique recovery journeys, addressing opioid and alcohol use disorder challenges with precision and empathy.
Every individual deserves a chance at a life free from the shackles of addiction. Middlesex Recovery is here to ensure that they receive the most advanced, effective, and compassionate care during their journey towards that goal. Contact our team today and let us guide you on the path to a brighter, substance-free future. Your tomorrow begins now.
