The last day of August was International Overdose Awareness Day a day of raising awareness about overdose and helping to reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths. It also acknowledged the grief felt by families and friends remembering those who have died and those whose overdoses resulted in permanent injury. September is Recovery Month.
Recovery Month is all about celebrating the achievements of people in recovery from addiction, reminding people that recovery is always possible. Addiction is a disease that affects people from all walks of life, regardless of ethnic background, professional status, appearance, gender identity, or personality. An addicted person could easily be a loved one, friend, neighbor, or colleague.
Like International Overdose Awareness Day, Recovery Month is an important reminder that the addiction crisis in America is far from over. There is more work be done to educate our communities about this deadly epidemic. After a brief respite in 2018, drug overdose deaths rose again last year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention predicts that the final count for 2019 is a record 72,000 overdose deaths, while 2020 is expected to exceed the 2019 deaths toll because of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The theme for this year’s Recovery Month is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.” Addiction is frequently driven by intense stress, trauma, extended periods of anxiety, prolonged grief, depression, and isolation. Many people with substance use disorder attempt to self-medicate mental health issues with drugs and alcohol—often with devastating consequences. The intended relief for one’s mental health condition can elicit unintended consequences very quickly.
Recovery Ways utilizes a holistic approach to treat this complex condition. We are dually licensed to treat mental health and addiction effectively and concurrently. Our highly qualified team includes two psychiatrists, an affiliated family doctor, and therapists with master’s degrees.
Each year, National Recovery Month showcases new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. Additionally, it highlights 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.
In order to help better understand addiction and recovery-related issues, the federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is offering weekly webinars during Recovery Month. Featured webinars will be covering medication-assisted treatment, employment support, communities supporting recovery, and the importance of integrating recovery support services.
Millions of lives in America have been transformed and uplifted through recovery. Sometimes these successes in the battle against addiction go unnoticed. Recovery Month gives everybody a chance to celebrate these accomplishments.
Treating addiction during the current pandemic may feel daunting.Recovery Ways continues to serve patients and has taken steps to protect treatment clients and staff. The stress and isolation of the pandemic are likely to exacerbate any problematic substance use. Delaying treatment for a substance use disorder can be life-threatening. If a loved one or you are struggling with addiction and/or mental illness, we can help. For more information, please call us at 888.986.7848.
