Raising Awareness around National Recovery Month

There’s no denying that it’s been a difficult last year for individuals in recovery. The incredible stress, financial fear, and general uncertainty left people’s sobriety in a precarious state. These often-triggering circumstances persisted far longer than originally anticipated, leaving many feeling tempted to turn back to drinking or using substances.

Sometimes it’s difficult to know that recovery is possible, especially when you’re stuck in the depths of alcoholism and addiction. Efforts to escape the cycle can feel futile after repeated relapses. It’s disheartening to try time and time again to get sober. But the attempts are always worth it for another chance at maintaining sobriety.

Every September marks National Recovery Month, a national observance and campaign to raise awareness about the possibilities of recovery. Recognizing recovery is more important now than ever before. This year might be the most important campaign yet. And after the skyrocketing overdose rates last year, connecting people with the help they need is vital.

How does National Recovery Month help raise awareness for recovery? How does recovery make a difference in people’s lives? And what are some of the avenues available to help people find recovery and a solution to their drug and alcohol problems?

National Recovery Month 2021

Every year National Recovery Month selects a theme and a specific focus for the campaign. This year’s theme is, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.” Organizers hope the theme reminds those in recovery, as well as those who support them, that they are never truly alone in their journey.

Not everyone realizes the difficulties that people in recovery live with every day. Staying sober one day at a time is a challenge and deserves recognition. National Recovery Month is a time to celebrate people in recovery and the transformations that take place in their lives. Recognizing their successes encourages them to continue pursuing the path to a healthy and rewarding life of sobriety.

National Recovery Month also emphasizes the importance of evidence-based treatment methods and their role in helping people find sobriety. People in locations across the country come together to continue building strong recovery communities where individuals can find the help and hope they need.

Now in its 32nd year, National Recovery Month still holds to its original intentions and goal. Organizations, prevention practices, treatment, and programs focused on recovery all recognize and celebrate National Recovery Month each year. The campaign serves as an ongoing reminder that recovery is possible for anyone ready to stop using drugs and alcohol.

Why National Recovery Month Is Necessary

National Recovery Month is necessary because drug and alcohol addiction is far from over. The alarming number of deaths due to drug overdose last year proved that the problem is more prevalent than ever before. With overdoses up 30% in 2020 over 2019, the surface of the issue has hardly been scratched.

The country needs National Recovery Month because people don’t understand the true nature of addiction. Stigma still surrounds those who struggle and sometimes even those in recovery, too. Too many still don’t realize that addiction is not a choice, that people with substance or alcohol use disorder are not bad people.

Individuals who suffer from substance and alcohol use disorders need help. It’s crucial to make sure that those who want to stop using drugs or alcohol have access to the treatment services that can save their lives. Comprehensive addiction treatment programs and effective services have the power to transform and save the lives of millions of people every year.

This year’s theme is a reminder that addiction can affect anyone. No matter what your gender, race, socioeconomic status, living environment, or job, you can suffer from addiction. It doesn’t matter who you are: alcohol and drug abuse can affect you. From sports stars to high school students, CEOs to stay-at-home moms, celebrities to hourly employees, addiction does not discriminate.

The White House Supports National Recovery Month

At the end of August, President Biden released a statement from the White House recognizing the importance of National Recovery Month in the United States. The statement acknowledges the importance of supporting both those who have achieved sobriety and those still struggling to overcome their addiction.

President Biden’s statement reaffirms the country’s commitment to those living with substance use disorder, both in and out of recovery. Consistent and ongoing dedication to ending the cycle of addiction is something that everyone throughout the country can benefit from.

The statement also calls for recognition and acknowledgment of the barriers to treatment that some people face. Not everyone has the same access to treatment, and some aren’t able to receive the services they need. Part of the work of National Recovery Month is ensuring this treatment gap closes over time and everyone can find the help they deserve.

Evidence-Based Treatment for Addiction and Alcoholism

Ask anyone who is sober, and chances are they spent at least some time in some type of treatment program. Drug and alcohol addiction treatment is the catalyst for sobriety in the lives of thousands of people each year. Treatment programs separate people from substances long enough to find an alternative and determine whether they want to stay sober.

Not all treatment programs are created equal, though. For example, applying a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment for every person who attends won’t have a successful outcome. Facilities that neglect to address the importance of a comprehensive approach to addiction recovery are also less likely to succeed.

On the other hand, facilities that make use of evidence-based methods understand what works and what doesn’t. Addiction is a serious disease and individuals seeking help deserve an intentional, individualized approach to care. These programs rely on approaches that have proven results and are backed by extensive research.

Therefore, the National Recovery Month campaign emphasizes the importance of evidence-based approaches to treatment. If facilities want to do something to make a difference in the growing problem with addiction in the country, centering treatment around evidence-based methods is critical.

How Addiction Treatment Can Help

If you’re still struggling to control your drug and alcohol use, addiction treatment can help. Treatment serves as the springboard to recovery for thousands of people. There are plenty of treatment facilities across the country available to help. You can take the steps toward finally escaping the seemingly endless cycle of addiction.

Clearview Treatment Programs offer a range of addiction treatment services to meet your individual needs. From residential programs to day programs to outpatient programs, Clearview has a treatment option that’s right for you. We use a combination of evidence-based therapies to help you build a solid foundation for lasting recovery.

Would you like to learn more about the programs available at Clearview? If you or someone you love cannot control their substance use, help is available. Call us today at (866) 497-7384 or fill out our free consultation form here. An admissions counselor is waiting to hear from you and guide you through finding the program that’s the best fit for you.