September is Recovery Month
Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover.
The 2020 theme is Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.
What is Recovery Month?
National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. This observance celebrates the millions of Americans who are in recovery from mental and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective and that people can and do recover. It also serves to help reduce the stigma and misconceptions that cloud public understanding of mental and substance use disorders, potentially discouraging others from seeking help.
Recovery Month works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.
The 2020 Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger,” emphasizes the need to share resources and build networks across the country to support recovery. It reminds us that mental and substance use disorders affect us all, and that we are all part of the solution. The observance will highlight inspiring stories to help thousands of people from all walks of life find the path to hope, health, and personal growth.
Learn More About Our Substance Abuse Treatment Options
Learn More about Our Response to the Opioid Epidemic
Recovery Conversations
Click here to watch a recovery conversation between Ryan Schweiger, Community Outreach Specialist, and Kenneth Lawrence, Montgomery County Commissioner.
Click here to watch a recovery conversation with Amy Maurizio, MS, MBA, CADC, CCDP-D, Director of Inpatient Drug and Alcohol Services.
Recovery Meetings
Southern Bucks Recovery Community Center
Resources
Community Members
This document explores the vital role that community members—such as family, neighbors, employers, educators, charitable organizations, and faith-based institutions—play in supporting the recovery of those experiencing mental and substance use disorders.
First Responders
This document highlights how first responders act as a first line of defense and facilitate lifesaving services for those with mental and substance use disorders – and gives guidance on how we can support them in doing so.
Healthcare Community
This document explains the various ways the healthcare community can make long-term, sustained recovery a reality and promote the overall well-being of those with mental and substance use disorders and their loved ones.
Youth and Emerging Leaders
This document shines a light on the key contributions youth and emerging leaders (ages 12 to 25) have to the recovery movement—as well as the unique needs and challenges presented by addressing mental and substance use disorders in this population.
Treatment and Recovery Support Services
This document provides a list of national and local resources, including toll-free numbers that can connect you to prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.
Common Mental Disorders and Misused Substances
This document details a list of common mental illnesses and misused substances, as well as alternative names for each disorder or substance; signs, symptoms, and adverse health effects; additional information on prevalence; and the average age of first-time use of a substance.
Mental Health and Substance Use Data
This document offers a visual snapshot of mental and substance use disorders (including co-occurring disorders) in the United States and their prevalence.