National Recovery Month

Posted by Patricia Devine on September 2nd, 2016 Posted in: Health Literacy, Health Observances

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Recovery Month, sponsored each September by the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is recognized to increase the awareness and understanding of substance use disorders and also to celebrate those in recovery. SAMHSA’s website provides resources for treatment and recovery, personal stories, and a treatment locator. SAMHSA defines recovery — from mental health disorders and from substance use disorders — as “a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential.” SAMHSA’s Ten Guiding Principles of Recovery are Hope, Person-driven, Many Pathways, Holistic approach, Peer Support, Relational and Social Supports, Culture based and influenced, Addressing Trauma, Strengths and Responsibilities, and Respect.

Additional resources:

• See the Twitter presence of Recovery Month for announcements, to connect with others who are interested, and to attend chats. The Recovery Youtube channel features personal stories of recovery.
• The American Society of Addiction Medicine defines addiction as a chronic brain disease in which a person regularly participates in behavior, such as drug-taking or gambling, despite the negative consequences. Addictions changes how the brain works, and may keep getting worse without treatment. Patient and healthcare provider resources are offered on their website.
• Harm Reduction: The Drug Policy Alliance promotes the harm reduction approach as a public health philosophy and intervention which reduces arm associated with drug use. A basic tenet of harm reduction is that there has never been, and never will be, a drug-free society. Read more about harm reduction.
• Medication-Assisted Treatment: See SAMHSA’s webpage about Medication- Assisted Treatment, or MAT, for information including including opioid treatment programs and combining behavioral therapy and medications to treat substance use disorders.
• The National Library of Medicine’s MedlinePlus features patient and family information about Substance Use Disorders, Drugs and Young People, Prescription Drug Abuse, and more.