Every September, National Recovery Month brings communities together to celebrate those in recovery. We also honor the professionals and advocates who make recovery possible. As we look back every year on the progress made by millions of individuals, families, and communities across the country, National Recovery Month is an opportunity to celebrate the transformative power of treatment, support, and personal, familial, and community resilience. For those in Ogden and beyond, this month is a reminder that hope and healing are real and recovery is realized for many in our neighborhoods and across the country every day.
In regions like ours in northern Utah, where local efforts support the national message, events, and initiatives, people are brought together to gain a greater understanding of what those in recovery experience and to stand with them in solidarity. This article will explain when and why National Recovery Month began, why it’s important for us to celebrate, and the meaningful impact of celebrating every September. For those in recovery, anyone close to a person in recovery, and those working in treatment centers, we’ll provide ideas and ways you might be able to honor the spirit of recovery right here in Ogden. This month is a reminder that recovery is not only possible but can be a reality for every person, family, and community. Let’s celebrate together and shine a light on the people and programs that make recovery from substance abuse and mental health challenges possible.
National Recovery Month: A Legacy of Awareness and Advocacy
Sometimes simply referred to as Recovery Month, National Recovery Month first began in 1989 when it was founded and launched by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, also known as SAMHSA. SAMHSA, a central agency of the government HHS department, first called September “Treatment Works! Month”. Originally, the main focus of this celebration was to raise awareness on the effectiveness of substance abuse programs, such as those found in outpatient treatment centers, and the invaluable role of the professionals who participate in these programs. During the time of its founding, substance abuse and mental health challenges were misunderstood and saturated with stigma. This initiative, in its most basic form, was aimed at shifting the public’s perception by sharing real stories of success and discussing the importance of evidence-based therapies to help those who need them.
With time, the celebration held every September began to expand its focus from its original campaign, focused on treatment, to recognizing recovery in all aspects. Changing the name in 1998 to National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, SAMHSA wanted to shift the conversation beyond treatment and to include the recovery process itself. This change demonstrated that recovery moves beyond intervention and recognized that recovery is a lifelong commitment to personal growth and holistic healing. In 2011, the final name change, National Recovery Month, was made to include mental health recovery as well as addiction.
Over the years, National Recovery Month has grown tremendously. With over 300 organizations partnering with SAMHSA nationwide to organize events, produce materials, and toolkits, September has become a month where recovery can be promoted and celebrated in every community. Rebuilding health, relationships, and restoring purpose, National Recovery Month is a platform to openly discuss how treatment and support have changed lives. For those in recovery, the dedicated service providers, and the communities that care, September offers the opportunity to share the transformative power of recovery. The history of this special celebration is not just about the month and its name; it’s a testament to the power of advocacy.
Breaking Stigma and Building Hope: Why National Recovery Month Matters
For many, recovery is a deeply personal and private journey that they feel they must walk alone. National Recovery Month shatters this misconception, giving recovery the recognition and attention it deserves. With over 50 million American adults currently recovering from substance abuse or mental health issues, it couldn’t be more important that these successes be celebrated openly. With visibility, validation, and hope, National Recovery Month serves many important purposes. Let’s take a look.
- Reducing Stigma: Even with growing awareness, stigma surrounding addiction and mental health still exists. Stigma only serves to prolong isolation, delay treatment, and magnify problems. Many times, those struggling with these issues do not seek help out of fear of judgment and feelings of shame. National Recovery Month helps to fight these fears and stereotypes and put real people and real voices to recovery stories. By sharing stories of resilience and success, educating the public, and promoting evidence-based therapies, NRM can help reduce the stigma around recovery.
- Increases Awareness: By having a month dedicated to the topic of recovery, NRM shines a light on the widespread challenges of substance abuse and mental health disorders. By raising awareness, people are encouraged to talk openly in their communities about these issues, developing an understanding and empathy in the community. For those just starting in recovery, awareness of success stories demonstrates that treatment is effective and recovery is possible.
- Celebration: Whether big or small, all victories are worth celebrating. Setting September aside to honor individuals who are in recovery, those who helped get them there, and everyone who continues to support and advocate for them, sets the stage for a positive perception of recovery.
- Hope and Motivation: For those struggling with substance abuse, mental health issues, or who are just beginning their recovery journey, National Recovery Month can instill motivation for healing and hope for the future.
- Increasing Access to Support: With increased awareness, those who need support are more likely to reach out when they see that recovery is possible. By sharing resources and information on where to get help, such as Ogden outpatient treatment centers or inpatient facilities, individuals become more aware of the treatment possibilities.
- Helping Communities: Recovery has the power to impact not just the individual, but the entire community. As families are healed, workplaces are restored, and neighborhoods become safer, communities are changed. Benefiting from lower health care costs, lower crime rates, and a stronger society, communities can advocate this month to expand access to services and provide an environment of support.
Ways to Celebrate National Recovery Month
No matter who you are or where you are, you can join the celebration and make a difference in September. Whether you are in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply want to spread awareness, there are many meaningful ways to honor National Recovery Month. No grand gestures required, here are some simple ideas to celebrate.
- Host a Dinner Party: Depending on where a person is in their sobriety or in their recovery, a person may not be ready to celebrate in a public space. The important part here is that recovery is celebrated. If it still feels uncomfortable being out in public, choose to celebrate at home, host an intimate dinner at home with a few close friends and family who make you feel comfortable, safe, supported, loved, and celebrated!
- Practice Self-Care: Celebrating personal milestones with an act of self-love can be all the celebration a person needs. Enjoying a favorite meal, going on a nature walk, or practicing a gratitude exercise are simple, yet important ways to honor your recovery.
- Wear Purple: The official color of National Recovery Month is purple. Wearing a purple ribbon is a simple way to show your support for those in the recovery world. Take it a step further, and encourage your friends, family, and classmates or co-workers to do the same.
- Attend a Local Event: Many communities celebrate National Recovery Month by holding rallies, walks, or educational workshops that bring all those in the recovery world together. Here in Ogden, we have several events to choose from, starting with the Annual Recovery Day at the Ogden Amphitheater. This event has family activities, music, and resource booths. Community events are a great place to connect, learn, and celebrate recovery stories.
- Support a Local Recovery Organization: Find local support groups and organizations that are working hard to support those in recovery and donate your time or money to their cause. Offering your time and money to these special organizations helps strengthen and boost their impact on the community.
From hosting an intimate dinner to joining the crowd at Ogden’s National Recovery Day, any action you take during National Recovery Month helps strengthen the message of hope, healing, and health. Let’s reflect on what we have learned about National Recovery Month, how it’s changed, and what you can do to join the celebration and support those in recovery and all those who dedicate their time to this cause.
A Month of Hope and Healing
For many individuals, families, and communities, National Recovery Month is a month of hope, healing, and celebration. Since its beginning in 1989 as a humble tribute to treatment providers, it has transformed into a nationwide celebration and a force for change. It reminds us that recovery is possible, treatment works, and every milestone is worth recognizing. The importance of National Recovery Month is seen in how it destigmatizes addiction and mental health struggles, unites communities, and proves that with the right support, healing is within reach. Together, we can build a world where celebrating recovery is not something we celebrate one month out of the year, but every day.
Infographic
