National Recovery Month

Articles

Sep 1

Recovery Month has been observed for 31 years, and it centers upon the progress made by individuals in recovery while promoting awareness of addiction or mental health counseling and treatment options. In celebration of those individuals who have made progress to begin living in a more healthy and prosperous way. Part of generating more awareness about Recovery Month involves encouraging those who are experiencing difficulty with substance abuse to seek out treatment. This year’s focus is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.” Their goal centers upon, “celebrat[ing] our connections to the diversity of people from all walks of life striving for recovery, we find support and courage to speak up for inclusion, respect, and opportunity.” (https://rm.facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/resource/2020-announcement-flyer/)

Advocacy for Addiction

While many organizations provide information and treatment options to connect individuals to finding their path to recovery, two organizations in particular are involved with National Recovery Month: SAMHSA and Faces & Voices of Recovery.

About SAMHSA

A governmental organization, The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates within the US Dept. of Health and Human Services. This organization aims to diminish the impact of both substance abuse and mental health issues within communities throughout the US. They offer many different resources for treatment, such as a local treatment locator for your region, tools to locate programs in your area, as well as helplines for managing crisis situations. Previously, SAMHSA was involved in sponsoring National Recovery Month.

About Faces & Voices of Recovery

Beginning their mission and supporting National Recovery Month, Faces & Voices of Recovery is a movement aimed at creating a community of individuals in recovery from addiction. With the help of allies and friends, this network is able to promote recovery and advocate for recovery programs and destigmatize substance abuse problems.

Their implementation of recovery community organizations provides local resources and support along with national resources.

https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/arco/rco-toolkit/

Prevention of Alcohol and Substance Addiction

At the root of prevention with substance abuse and alcohol use disorder (AUD) is honesty. Individuals looking to prevent health issues or detrimental effects to their normal life and relationships should be open to honest communication. Prevention also begins with young adults or teenagers. With younger individuals, parents play the most important role in educating their child about the risks and dangers of substance abuse along with monitoring their behavior and usage.

For adults, preventing addiction might mean gaining a strong understanding of your own habits. For instance, there may be things that trigger you to choose to engage a substance that can help you understand how to prevent that from happening. Regardless of habitual understanding, recognizing how you can replace addictive substances with healthier alternatives like hobbies, social engagements, or other enjoyable activities.

Risks of Addiction

Like so many other illnesses or disorders, genetics and family history play a role in a person’s risk of developing a substance abuse problem or AUD. Lifestyle also is a determining factor. Individuals may frequently encounter situations to drink alcohol or use addictive substances due to the habits of their social group and friends.

Mental health is a factor to consider when approaching an issue with substance abuse. Anxiety, depression, or high-pressure situations can result in a person developing unhealthy coping mechanisms.

Stress & Coping Mechanisms

Relating to understanding triggers of addictive behavior, coping mechanisms related to substance abuse are common. Taking a look at any consistencies or patterns involved in substance abuse can help you understand what you might need to change in order to live a more healthy life, substance-free. Stress can play a major role in substance abuse. After a difficult or stressful situation, turning to alcohol or other substances as a means of coping with the situation is typical for individuals struggling with addiction.

Recognizing Addiction

The amount of alcohol or substance use is indicative of addiction in many cases. If a person consumes more and more alcohol to reach the same effect, that would be one indication of addiction. Abusing substances alone or seeing negative effects in your home, work, or social environment also point to a need for intervention. Of course, the most obvious sign of addiction is the inability to stop or keep from engaging substances.

Treatment & Support

Support groups are a popular method of gaining ground in recovery from substance abuse. Counseling and the support of others is key to recognizing how you can change your habits life a healthier lifestyle without substances. Often, individuals will need medical care to treat symptoms of withdrawal and detox for safety. There are many inpatient and outpatient programs for rehabilitation along with counseling or medication treatments.

Local Resources

One great way to find all the options in your local community for substance abuse treatment and support can be found through SAMHSA’s resources. Check out all the available options in your area to find the best fit for you. Their helpline can direct you toward your goals or you can use their online tools to find resources near you. (1-800-662-4357)

Northern Nevada

Reno Behavioral Health Hospital

Find options for substance use and addiction treatment for chemical dependency at this location. This facility offers comprehensive care services for those affected by alcohol or drugs.

Southern Nevada

Crossroads of Southern Nevada

Located in Las Vegas, this facility can start a behavioral health treatment program to help support their goal of recovery.

Oregon

Pacific Ridge Residential Alcohol & Drug Treatment Center

Individuals in the northwest can visit Salem for recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. Their facility is a state-licensed detox and residential rehab program.

Hawaii

Maui Recovery

Recovery programs are available for individuals to seek treatment for addictions of many types, including substance abuse or alcohol addiction.