September is National recovery month
September is recognized as National recovery month each year in the United States. During the month of September, communities and business dedicate their time and resources to raising public awareness about substance abuse and mental illness. Unfortunately, both substance abuse and mental illness are becoming more and more commonplace in the United States.
In fact, over 20 million people will use an illicit drug each year in the U.S. according to recent studies. Not all, but many become addicted to dangerous substances and end up damaging and hurting themselves, their friends and their families throughout the process. This damage is fairly common but people are too ashamed or embarrassed or angry to talk about it. Some people continue to live in denial of their problems. National recovery month is about changing that and helping people to get help for themselves.
Recoverymonth.gov indicates that this year’s theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Visible, Vocal, Valuable!” and contains many useful resources for getting involved, joining in the recovery, being courageous, and promoting recovery in your area. Recoverymonth.gov’s theme this September not only recognizes peer support in recovery but also encourages others to be a strength in the recovery community by sharing their stories.
To get involved in this September’s National recovery month check your local government websites for any events or information that may be happening in your area.