National Recovery Month 2016

Every year in the United States, we celebrate the success of those who have made positive strides away from various afflictions. Particular months are designated for people to come together to support those who are recovering from debilitating ailments, and to raise awareness with the hope that others will find the help that they desperately need. April is Alcohol Awareness Month (AAM), May is Mental Health Month (MHM) and June is PTSD Awareness Month for example. If you can think of serious health condition that affects millions of people, it is likely that a month has been chosen to acknowledge both those in recovery and those who dedicate their lives to helping others struggling with the specific disorder.

If you are recovering from addiction, it is possible that you know that September is National Recovery Month. The goal next month, according to RecoveryMonth.org, is to “increase awareness and celebrate successes of those in recovery.” Every day, people across the country put their best foot forward to maintain their recovery from drug addiction and alcohol use disorder (AUD). To be sure, it is no easy task, requiring one to practice the principles of recovery in all their affairs—staying eternally vigilant against the temptation to pick up a drink or a drug.

Everyone who is actively working a program of recovery deserves to be acknowledged for the fact that they choose to live a life free from mind altering substances. It is no secret that failing to maintain one’s program can, and often does, result in tragic outcomes.

A central component to addiction recovery is helping others find their way to the program, and helping them learn how to live clean and sober. For every person in recovery, there are countless more who have yet to experience the gifts the program can give; it is for that reason that it is vital that others be made aware of the fact that recovery is possible.

The theme this year is National Recovery Month: Prevention Works, Treatment is Effective, People Recover. At Whiteside Manor, we encourage you to Join the Voices for Recovery: Our Families, Our Stories, Our Recovery! If you are interested in taking part in this crucial time of awareness please refer to the toolkit.