September 5, 2019 - For the past 30 years, September has been recognized as National Recovery Month by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The purpose of National Recovery Month is to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives while celebrating the millions of Americans who are in recovery from these barriers. This month reminds us that treatment is effective and that people can and do recover.
At Reliance Health, we know this is true. We see it every day in those we serve and within the greater Norwich community. Defined as “the process of combating a disorder or a real or perceived problem” by Merriam-Webster, it is important to note that recovery means many things to many people. Those in recovery do not experience the process the same way. There are varying expectations of recovery from others, as well as the expectations we put on ourselves. Recovery is not something that happens by stopping a behavior, starting to take medication, or abstaining for substance use. Instead, it is an ongoing process that involves time and many changes to one’s day to day life. Recovery is not linear.
Reliance Health’s philosophies value harm reduction and choice. We understand that recovery varies and are careful not to impose our personal believes about recovery on others. Through this approach we are better able to promote healthy choices while supporting an individual when poor choices are made. In recognizing that mistakes are sometimes part of the process of recovery, we find that we are better able to build genuine relationships that foster trust and a supportive network. That supportive network is part of the equation that ensures that recovery is possible.
Recovery Month is important to recognize as it serves to help reduce the stigma and misconceptions that cloud peoples’ understanding of mental health and substance use disorders. Those misconceptions can discourage individuals from seeking help. By highlighting that recovery is possible and encourage access to effective treatment, prevention, and service offerings we can enhance health within our own communities while promoting a bigger picture of health nationwide.
For more information on National Recovery Month, visit: https://recoverymonth.gov/
The handouts below provide another great informational resource on recovery from Mental Health America:
