September 7, 2018 |
What is National Recovery Month?
Taking place every year during the month of September, National Recovery Month began in 1989 under the name of Treatment Works! Month, as a way to honor the hard work of addiction professionals. Then in 1998, it was decided to rename the event National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in an effort to honor not only the work of healthcare professions in the addiction field, but to also draw attention to the work of individuals suffering from substance use disorder.
It wasn’t until 2011, that the event was transformed into its modern day form as National Recovery Month. This most recent change, was done in an effort to not only include healthcare professionals and individual patients, but to also include segments of behavioral health.
“Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.” – SAMHSA
The month-long event is designed to educate Americans on mental health and substance use disorders, in addition to celebrating the work of individuals in recovery and providing support to affected families and patients. Recovery Month has grown exponentially over time, and has received increased attention in recent years in light of the national opioid epidemic, skyrocketing overdose rates, and increased public awareness around the need for mental health resources and services.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) now works with over 300 partnering organizations every year on event development, materials, sponsorship, marketing, and Recovery Month promotion, providing a Recovery Month Toolkit, which allows organizations and individuals around the country to participate.
Each year within National Recovery Month, a specific theme is chosen. For 2018, the theme is:
Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community
The 2018 theme is meant to emphasize the importance of integrated, continuing care, the role of community in recovery, the development of a sense of purpose for all, and the recognition of the leadership that has led to the successful recovery of individuals with mental health or substance use disorders.
Recovery Month
Founded: 1989
Official Color: Purple
Event Location: National (United States)
The Recovery Research Institute is Celebrating Recovery Month!
