Addiction affects millions of people every year, with 69 percent of Americans reporting that they know someone who struggles with alcohol or drugs. This year alone, more than 23 million people aged 12 or older are living with a substance use disorder, making it more common than coronary heart disease.
But treatment works and recovery is possible. That is the message behind National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, a celebration sponsored each September by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT). Now in its 21st year as a national observance, Recovery Month is a time to recognize the strides made in substance abuse treatment and to educate the public that addiction is a treatable public health problem.
“It is important to continue educating the public about substance use disorders, while also supporting those already in recovery and encouraging others who are in need to seek treatment and begin their own path to recovery,” says SAMHSA through their Recovery Month website. “Striving to increase the general public’s awareness of the issues surrounding substance use disorders takes a conscious decision to actively work to negate the myths and eliminate the barriers that persist with addiction and recovery.”
Throughout Recovery Month scores of community and media activities will take place nationwide to raise public awareness. Fun Runs organized by local treatment centers, School Awareness Days supported by local businesses, walk-a-thons, barbecues, auctions, forums and information fairs will be held across the country to provide support for individuals and their families in need of treatment, celebrate those in recovery, and honor organizations providing prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. In addition, SAMHSA will host nearly 100 community events throughout the country, as well as a national kick-off media event in Washington, D.C.
For Recovery Month information and materials, visit www.recoverymonth.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP.
