National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, is a national observance held every September to educate Americans on how substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. 

This observance celebrates the millions of Americans who are in recovery from mental and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective and that people can and do recover. It also serves to help reduce the stigma and misconceptions that cloud public understanding of mental and substance use disorders - potentially discouraging others from seeking help. 

Now in its 30th year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. Recovery Month works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergency of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation, who make recovery in all its forms possible.

As part of the 30th anniversary, Recovery Month is introducing a new logo that signifies the true meaning and values of the Recovery Month observance. The new Recovery Month logo features an "r" symbol; representing r is for recovery, and the need to support the millions of people who are proudly living their lives in recovery, as well as family members and loved ones.

Each September, tens of thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and facilities around the country celebrate Recovery Month. They speak about the gains made by those in recovery and share their success stories with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues. In doing so, everyone helps to increase awareness and furthers a greater understanding about the diseases of mental and substance use disorders.

Recovery Month also highlights the achievements of individuals who have reclaimed their lives in long term recovery and honors the treatment and recovery service providers who make recovery possible. Recovery Month also promotes the message that recovery in all of its forms is possible and encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those in need.

Each year, Recovery Month selects a new focus and theme to spread the message and share the successes of treatment and recovery. The 2019 Recovery Month observance will focus on community members, first responders, the healthcare community, and youth and emerging leaders highlighting the various entities that support recovery within our society.

The 2019 Recovery Month theme is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger." This theme emphasizes the need to share resources and build networks across the country to support recovery. It reminds us that mental and substance use disorders affect us all, and that we are all part of the solution. The observance will highlight inspiring stories to help thousands of people from all walks of life find the path to hope, health, and personal growth.

During the 30th anniversary of Recovery Month, communities across the nation will reflect on their positive strides and their plans to make recovery support services more accessible, so that people can live meaningful and productive lives. Over the years, recovery-oriented organizations have also played an essential role in states, cities, towns, and neighborhoods to help countless people start and sustain their recovery.

Let's take the time this month to lift up those affected by mental and substance use disorders, including co-occurring disorders. Let's help to fill them up with hope, health, and overall wellness.