National Recovery Month Promotes Evidence-based Treatment Practices

Held every September for the past 31 years, National Recovery Month increases awareness and understanding of mental health and substance use disorders and encourages individuals in need of treatment and recovery to seek help.

During its first 30 years, Recovery Month was sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).  In June, sponsorship was assumed by Faces & Voices of Recovery, a 501 (c) (3) nonprofit corporation.  This year’s theme was Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.  Recovery Month educates the public about substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders and the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services while celebrating that recovery is possible.

Millions in Recovery

Today in the US, more than 23 million people from all walks of life (nearly 7% of the population) are in recovery from alcohol and other drugs.  Recovery Month promotes widespread understanding that long-term recovery is a reality with time and support from family, friends, and allies in the recovery and treatment community.

Recovery Month Mission & Goals

The organization’s mission:

  • Organize and mobilize to raise the profile of the recovery community
  • Build the capacity of recovery community organizations to thrive and participate in local, state, and national policy arenas
  • Advocate public policy to reduce discrimination associated with those suffering from substance use disorders and those who are in recovery
  • Promote and support laws and policies that provide universal access to quality, effective care for individuals, families and communities affected by alcohol and other drugs
  • Establish supports to achieve recovery, health, wellness, and civic engagement

The organization’s goals for Recovery Month include combatting the stigmas that can impede the recovery journey, supporting those with mental health and substance use disorders to seek treatment, and ensure that help is available and effective.

By speaking with friends, neighbors and colleagues about recovery during September, we help increase awareness and a better understanding about the diseases of mental and substance use disorders.

Suggested Activities

The organization has recommendations to help furthering understanding in the community.  Sharing tips with first responders on how best to incorporate support strategies for individuals with substance use disorders.  Working with law enforcement agencies to establish opioid overdose response programs. Reaching out to local healthcare and specialty substance use treatment providers to discuss best practices around the most current and effective prevention and treatment techniques.

When it comes to discussion about the most current treatment options, this should include the latest information on Speranza Therapeutics S.T. Genesis.  This revolutionary new treatment option is an FDA-cleared, non-invasive device to help reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal.

Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, treatment is effective, and people do recover.  Speranza Therapeutics supports those efforts by bridging the gap between hope and healing.