National Recovery Month: Raising Awareness, Reducing Stigma, and Celebrating Healing
September is National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to increasing awareness and understanding of substance use disorders, mental health challenges, and the life changing impact of addiction treatment and recovery services. This observance spreads awareness, celebrates individuals living in recovery, and honors the professionals who provide prevention, treatment, and recovery support programs that make healing possible.
The theme for 2024 is Recovery is REAL, which stands for Restoring Every Aspect of Life. It serves as a reminder that recovery belongs to all of us. Addiction does not discriminate and it does not affect only one person. Its effects reach families, workplaces, and entire communities. By broadening our understanding of recovery, we create a culture of inclusion and compassion where everyone has the opportunity to heal.
Why Do We Celebrate Recovery Month
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 80,391 people died from drug overdoses in 2024. While this number is still tragic, it represents a 26.9 percent decrease from the 110,037 deaths reported in 2023. This decline is a positive trend and a reason to celebrate progress in overdose prevention and treatment.
Even with progress, many people continue to believe that addiction is a choice rather than a disease. This misunderstanding contributes to stigma and prevents individuals from seeking help. Recovery Month encourages communities to build awareness about the disease of addiction and to share the stories of those in recovery. By showing up as a community of support, we reduce stigma, encourage hope, and inspire those struggling with addiction to reach out for the treatment and recovery programs they need.
Why Do We Celebrate Recovery Month?
In 2024, an estimated 80,391 people died of an overdose, according to the CDC. This represents a decrease of 26.9% from the 110,037 deaths estimated in 2023. This is certainly a trend to celebrate.
Too many people still see addiction as a choice and not a disease. Because of this, many are unwilling to support those affected by addiction. Building awareness of the disease of addiction and sharing the stories of those in recovery can help reduce the stigma. Showing up as a community of support will go a long way in encouraging those struggling with addiction to reach out for the help they need.
What Can I Do to Help?
“Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life),” the theme for National Recovery Month, was chosen to help illustrate four major dimensions of recovery: Health, Home, Community, and Purpose. One place to start is to educate yourself on the disease of addiction and the meaning of recovery. Many communities are hosting local or online recovery-focused events. You can also find and share encouragement and information via social media, using #RecoveryMonth and #Recovery. Volunteering with recovery organizations in your area is another way to help further the message of this month. Visit the National Recovery Month website to find events and organizations in your area.