How to Get Involved in National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month is a month-long event held in September to support and promote evidence-based treatments and recovery practices for people struggling with alcohol or substance abuse. The movement aims to bring people together to raise awareness surrounding substance use disorder (SUD) and celebrate the achievements of clients who are working towards recovery and healing. 

A key mission of National Recovery Month is to raise awareness about the strong connection between mental health and substance abuse. Mental illness often plays a significant role in the development of addiction, and by shedding light on this relationship, National Recovery Month seeks to promote understanding and prevent future cases of both mental health challenges and addiction.

What Is National Recovery Month?

National Recovery Month began in 1989 as a national observance to promote the best treatment and recovery practices for individuals with SUDs. Developed by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it receives funding from public and private entities that is funneled into seminars, workshops, webinars, and advocacy. The month-long event usually has an annual theme, highlighting human characteristics like resilience and hope. 

The primary goal of National Recovery Month is to help people get well. Much of its work involves encouraging at-risk individuals to seek assistance and professional attention. However, it also celebrates success stories and supports long-term prevention efforts through its mission to educate the public.

The impact of National Recovery Month on American society is vast. Over the years, the event has improved treatment options for those living with addiction, helping them undo damage to their lives and get back on the right path. It is even working with employers to promote more sustainable solutions for employees affected by substance abuse. Although the impact may appear minor, this movement has sparked social momentum, fostering inclusion and support in subtle and less visible ways.

Participating in Events

You can get involved in National Recovery Month at both the local and national levels. 

For example, in Southern California, you can participate in National Recovery Month by joining the San Diego County Substance Use & Overdose Prevention Taskforce (SUOPT) to help reduce substance harm in the community. Teams offer harm reduction advice, community education, and health advocacy for the vulnerable across the city. 

Another option for volunteering is the Harm Reduction Coalition of San Diego (HRCSD). Volunteers transport and distribute supplies and enter data on drug issues in the community. 

If you want to help on a broader scale, look for events beyond your city. Events for National Recovery Month occur all over the country. In Oregon, for example, you can join the Walk For Recovery to raise $100,000 to fight the ongoing addiction crisis. You could also rally outside the State Capitol building for Oregon Recoverer’s Advocacy Day, where recovering individuals encourage lawmakers to consider policy changes. 

SAMHSA runs events throughout the month at the national level, including webinars, educational seminars, peer support events, and mental health services. These introduce individuals to the dangers of addiction and how people are fighting back. Downloading the National Recovery Month toolkit provides additional resources to share online.

Volunteering and Supporting Organizations

Besides official events, you can also get involved in National Recovery Month in other ways. These opportunities allow you to avoid traveling long distances and can help you serve wherever the need is greatest in your area.

Join recovery centers and support groups 

If you are someone who has dealt with addiction in the past and understands what it is like to live with substance abuse, you could offer your mentorship to local support groups. Your advice could help individuals living with addiction approach recovery more effectively.

Consider organizing events on your street or social media to unite people. These can help highlight the addiction issues within your community and build a foundation for change. 

Support nonprofits and advocacy groups

Another way to help is to support organizations improving the lives of people dealing with addiction. You can assist by donating, fundraising for a non-profit, or raising awareness online. 

For example, you could donate to organizations like The Herren Project or Shatterproof. These non-profits work to free individuals from the effects of drug and alcohol addiction.

Educate yourself and others

Many organizations and rehab centers offer workshops during National Recovery Month, providing practical knowledge you can apply within your community. You can also participate in local discussions to deepen your understanding of the challenges people in your face.

Supporting Individuals in Recovery

Lastly, you can get involved with National Recovery Month by directly supporting people in recovery. Being a part of the sobriety movement can be healing and lead to profound changes in these individuals’ lives.

For example, you could: 

• Listen to people actively and be there for them when they find it hard to break out of cycles of addiction
• Do something practical, such as attend substance abuse meetings with a loved one or join a support group
• Raise awareness of positive coping mechanisms, such as walking or cultivating mindfulness

You could also advocate for supportive policies at workplaces or schools. Efforts might include: 

• Promoting the benefits of Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) and how they can help companies become healthier places to work
• Advocating for a culture of understanding where addiction is no longer viewed as a crime but rather as a challenging set of circumstances that an individual faces
• Arranging sessions to discuss substance abuse, how it affects schools and workplaces, and what schools and companies can do about it

Finally, you can support loved ones in their recovery. Checking them into a recovery center is often one of the most powerful things you can do to improve their long-term wellness.

Addiction Treatment Center Near Me

National Recovery Month is one of the most important events of the year. It represents a pushback against the nation’s addiction crisis and is an opportunity to reach millions of people across the country affected by substance abuse. 

There are numerous ways to get involved and do your part, whether by volunteering for a non-profit, raising awareness on social media, or fundraising for a charity. These small actions can have an enormous impact on the lives of others. 

If you or a loved one is suffering from substance abuse or mental illness, Contact Jackson House Recovery Centers to begin the path to healing.