Today, I can see the difference I am making in the lives of many people. This recovery adventure has taken me to places I could never have imagined myself going. Today, the song in my heart is one of gratitude and beauty.
– Donald Roberts
September is an important month for me because it represents Recovery Month. It’s not only important to me as there are tens of thousands of people, facilities, and programs also taking the time to celebrate what recovery means to them. When we openly share our experience, strength, and hope with each other, we make gains towards increasing awareness and provide a better understanding of the effects of substance abuse and mental health disorders, and how to get back to living a normal, healthy life. In a nutshell, that is what Recovery Month represents.
Together We Are Stronger
Each year, there is a new theme for Recovery Month. The theme for 2019 is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger.” The focus of this theme is on first responders who save the lives of overdose victims, the healthcare community that treats us, and community members and entities that support recovery within our society. This year’s theme emphasizes the need to share resources and build networks across the country to support the many paths to recovery. In essence, it takes a village to end an epidemic, and since it affects us all, we ALL have to be a part of the solution.
We often only hear stories of those still in active addiction but what happens behind the scenes often goes unnoticed. When an addict loses their life to an overdose, we don’t hear about the details of their journey in and out of treatment. We don’t hear about the lack of addiction resources in some communities or the limited supply of Narcan for first responders who could have saved their life. We don’t hear about them being in recovery and how their one relapse was their ultimate demise. These are some of the many reasons why supporting Recovery Month is so important. The more we know, the better we’ll do as a society.
Recovery Month’s 30th Anniversary
2019 marks the 30th anniversary of Recovery Month. For three decades, we have been making huge strides towards positive change. People are learning that treatment is effective, that people CAN and DO recover each and every day.
Through the years, Recovery Month has promoted and supported new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the strong and proud recovery community, and dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.
– Recoverymonth.gov
How to Get Involved
As mentioned above, the 2019 observance focuses on first responders, healthcare communities, and community members (including our youth), in an effort to make connections with the proper audiences. You’re invited to download the Recovery Month Toolkit for a detailed list of resources, information, and ideas on how you can get involved. With your help, the millions of Americans that live with substance abuse and mental health disorders will be lifted up towards a life of recovery, filled with hope, love, health, and personal growth.
– Ashley
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Ashley is a recovering addict, that also lives with a dual diagnosis for Bipolar II. Her mission is to strengthen her own recovery and mental health by sharing her experience, strength, hope, and support with other addicts and those in the mental health community. Ashley uses her online resources to reach addicts (those recovering and also those still suffering from active addiction) and their loved ones across the world. Through this journey, she has discovered her passion for writing, blog management, and content curating, which has turned into a fulfilling and passionate career for her.
