September marks the 24th annual Recovery Month, hosted by SAMSHA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Recognizing that our communities are confronted with substance abuse and mental health issues on a regular basis, Recovery Month highlights opportunities and notable systems of support for those seeking recovery. For example, facilities like ours avail themselves to families seeking treatment for the various manifestations of substance abuse and mental illness. Our goal is to therapeutically facilitate the reconstruction of the family system, healing the lives of those suffering from and affected by addiction and mental illness.
Still, addiction and mental illness continue to prevail. Current research shows the following:
- 20.6 million people, age 12 and older were classified with alcohol or elicit drug dependence or abuse.
- 45.6 million people ages 18 and older had mental illness within the past year.
The repercussions from mental illness and/ or substance abuse can be wide reaching: relationships are often strained if not shattered, there are financial woes, there’s an inevitable loss of trust, and in some cases, there are impending health issues. Many of these things feel insurmountable when one is in the thick of their disease but with support, and some therapeutic direction, the possibility of recovery becomes more plausible. Beginning the path of Recovery doesn’t mean your life has ended; it means your life has just begun.
There are many opportunities to participate in Recovery Month. This years theme is “Join the Forces of Recovery: Together on Pathways to Wellness,” which highlights the various ways in which we can prevent substance abuse, encourage treatment, facilitate recovery and its corresponding healthy, sustainable lifestyle.
If you’re in Los Angeles, The Los Angeles Dodgers will Celebrate National Recovery Month before and during their home game against the Arizona Diamondbacks on September 10. Click here for ticket info and logistics.
For more information on Recovery month, check out https://www.recoverymonth.gov/. You can search for activities in your area, and find ways to get involved. This is about you speaking up and out. Use the month of September as an opportunity to be of service. Make it a practice. Share your recovery stories online; if you’re on social media, use the hashtag #RecoveryMonth.
Get active, be of service, and spread the word. Recovery is meant to be shared.
Originally posted on September 4, 2013 @ 8:40 am
