Recovery Month: Celebrating Those on the Road to Recovery

For the past 20 years, September has been reserved for the observance of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month to educate the nation about the benefits of substance abuse treatment and celebrate people who are on the road to recovery.

September was deemed Recovery Month by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The month provides individuals and communities an opportunity to learn about substance abuse treatment, applaud advances in treatments and research, and recognize individuals who help others on their road to recovery.

One of the primary messages of Recovery Month is that addiction is a treatable disease, and that recovery from substance abuse is possible for everyone. Recovery Month encourages citizens to take action by becoming personally involved in expanding and improving the availability of effective substance abuse treatment for those in need.

Addiction Is a Treatable Disease

The central message of Recovery Month is that addiction is a treatable disease. Addiction is difficult to overcome, but it is possible.

Addiction has been historically considered by many to be an indication of moral weakness or a character flaw. That view has created substantial social stigma around addiction, which continues to prevent many individuals from seeking treatment even though they may desperately need it.

The truth is that even scientific experts are not entirely certain about what causes addiction, but most agree that addiction is usually facilitated by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, a last-ditch effort to cope with emotions or situations that they find overwhelming.

However, substance abuse only serves to exacerbate an individual’s problems, and places additional stress on the individual. Addicts often lose their jobs, as well as the support of friends and family. The manipulative behaviors that addicts may employ to protect their habits tend to undermine healthy relationships.

It is not surprising, therefore, that many addicts also suffer from mental health issues. Depression and anxiety are frequent companions of addiction, although it is not entirely clear whether these conditions more often precede addiction or result from it.

Education Is Key

The battle against addiction and the road to recovery begin with education. Educating individuals and communities about the nature and prevalence of addiction, and about the benefits of accessible and effective treatment services, helps to eliminate misinformation and break down social stigma around addiction. Lessening social stigma and increasing the availability of treatment services helps to ensure that everyone who needs substance abuse treatment services receives them.

Accessible, Effective Treatment Benefits All

An important part of educating communities about substance abuse treatment is delivering the message that accessible and effective treatment services are good for everyone in a community, not just the individuals who actually receive treatment.

Substance abuse and addiction are rife with behaviors that break down the social fabric. They are routinely associated with higher crime rates, they undermine familial bonds, they threaten child welfare and they decrease general safety (as in the case of drunk or high driving, domestic violence and other reckless or violent behaviors).

Communities that embrace and promote substance abuse treatment services can help ensure that substance abuse and addiction don’t cause negative outcomes at the individual, family and community levels.