This September marks the 31^st annual National Recovery Month: a nationwide observance to educate Americans about the ways that substance use treatment and mental health services can help people to recover. This event is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Over the next few weeks, we seek to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders. Please join us in celebrating the people who recover this month.

Connections in Recovery

Each September, SAMHSA selects a new theme to facilitate the events, conversations, and educational seminars ahead. 2020’s National Recovery Month theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.”

Connections are vital in all stages of recovery. In the earliest phases of treatment, bonding with others in one’s program can reduce feelings of isolation. This closeness also enables people in early recovery to share their experiences and hear others’, which helps them to realize that they are not alone. These feelings of connection and mutual understanding effectively break down boundaries, create a shared understanding of addiction, and contribute to lasting recovery.

Once treatment has concluded and a person has returned home, they begin to build connections within their community. This sober support network can be developed through friendships, 12-Step meeting attendance, and alumni programming. A continuous dedication to one’s recovery can be buoyed by bonds with others, which can help each person to navigate life’s ups and downs.

In addition to highlighting the importance of connection, the individuals behind National Recovery Month seek to spread awareness about treatment programs that can be beneficial to those struggling with addiction and mental illness.

Help is Available

Addiction is a chronic, progressive disease of the brain which can devastate affected individuals and their loved ones. This condition worsens over time and impacts all aspects of a person’s life, including their relationships, home life, financial stability, mental wellbeing, physical health, career, community standing, and more. It is impossible to overstate how much addiction and mental illness can negatively affect one’s life.

Fortunately, treatment is available. Centers like Lakeside-Milam provide evidence-based care for individuals struggling with mental and substance use disorders. Through a combination of leading-edge research and a time-tested approach, we have helped over 100,000 people to address their problematic substance use.

Treatment for addiction may take place on a residential or outpatient basis, depending on one’s needs. Upon entering a program, each person will undergo a thorough assessment. This process helps clinicians to develop a fully individualized treatment plan. Each plan is based on factors such as the duration and severity of a person’s substance use, their home environment, the presence of supportive friends and family, and other such considerations. A tailored approach can help individuals to achieve sustained sobriety.

National Recovery Month exists to raise awareness of effective, evidence-based treatment modalities available to people who need professional assistance. These include…

• Withdrawal management
• Family education
• Individual and group therapy
• Nutritionist services
• Evaluation for co-occurring mental health issues
• Relationship counseling
• Case management services
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Rational emotive therapy (RET)

A Chance to Celebrate

There are millions of Americans whose lives have been saved by recovery. These success stories often go unnoticed by the rest of the country. As such, SAMHSA and partnering organizations seek to highlight these accomplishments each September.

Each year, tens of thousands of centers – Lakeside-Milam included – celebrate National Recovery Month. Our staff and alumni share their stories of success, encouraging increased awareness and improving the nation’s understanding of mental health and addiction.

Special Webinars for National Recovery Month

The pandemic has changed all aspects of daily life, so it should be no surprised that the way we observe National Recovery Month has been altered for 2020. This year, SAMHSA plans to offer a webinar series. Upcoming presentations include –

• Integration of Medication-Assisted Treatment in Treatment and Recovery Support
• SAMHSA Transforming Lives Through Supported Employment
• Communities Supporting Recovery
• The Importance of Integrating Recovery Support Services: The Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic Model

Each webinar will focus on breaking news and novel research in the fields of addiction and mental health treatment. As a government agency, SAMHSA has access to myriad statistics and data which will be especially informative for those tuning in. Viewers will learn the importance of integrated recovery services, the benefits of supportive employment practices, community recovery support, and more.

Join Us in Observing National Recovery Month

We hope you will participate in this month’s observation of National Recovery Month. If you feel comfortable, you may raise awareness by sharing graphics, webinar links, or your own personal story of recovery on social media. Otherwise, please join us in spreading the good word about National Recovery Month – we can and do recover!

To begin your own recovery journey or receive additional support during these uncertain times, please contact Lakeside-Milam today. Our compassionate staff members are standing by.