September is designated as National Recovery Month in the United States each year. As an annual observance and celebration, it’s a time to raise awareness of substance use disorder, promote the benefits of prevention initiatives, and of course, celebrate the lives and stories of individuals in recovery.
This September, we invite you along as we honor and acknowledge the journeys of those on the front lines of substance use disorder. We encourage all to participate in the discussion, share in the joy of the incredible success stories out there, and reflect on the strength and resilience of those still navigating a path back to health.
Keep reading to learn more about Recovery Month and how we are celebrating here at Gaudenzia!
Need help with substance use disorder? Reach our team 24/7 at 833.976.HELP (4357) or email [email protected] today.
A Brief History of Recovery Month
National Recovery Month started in 1989 to celebrate the recovery community and support and promote advancements in the substance use disorder treatment field. This includes the adoption of new, evidence-based treatment practices known to help individuals achieve and sustain long-term recovery.
Recovery Month was long sponsored by SAMHSA — the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration — which continues to time announcements of new initiatives and funding during the celebratory month. While continuing to support the observance, SAMHSA retired from its role as Recovery Month sponsor in June 2020, at which point advocacy group Faces & Voices of Recovery created a dedicated Recovery Month website to serve as a hub for related assets and events.
While Recovery Month previously received a new theme each year, the 2021 theme of “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.” has been selected as the permanent tagline moving forward. The new tagline reflects the sentiment that just as substance use disorder does not discriminate, recovery is for everyone.
Raising Awareness Around Substance Use Disorder
Recovery Month is largely a celebration of success stories and advancements, but it also serves as a time to acknowledge the ongoing fight to save lives. While millions of Americans live fulfilling, productive lives in recovery, millions more continue to struggle with the challenges of substance use and co-occurring disorders.
In the U.S. alone, drug overdose deaths reached over 100,000 during the 12-month period ending in April 2021, marking a nearly 30% increase from the previous year. This number underscores the urgent and ongoing need for low-barrier access to evidence-based treatment, funding, and community resources.
National Recovery Month at Gaudenzia
If you haven’t guessed it by now, Recovery Month is a big deal for our nonprofit treatment organization. Our team works hard every single day to help our clients reach and maintain long-term recovery. Our substance use disorder treatment programs in Pennsylvania, Delaware, Maryland, and Washington, D.C. have plenty of recovery-themed activities planned to celebrate our amazing clients and their recovery journeys. From board games and outdoor activities to educational visits from community leaders, there’s plenty to keep up with this month, including highlights like these:
Gaudenzia’s Annual FrontLine Report
This year, Gaudenzia will release its forthcoming annual FrontLine Report during Nation Recovery Month. Our FrontLine Report provides an overview of substance use trends as seen on the frontlines of substance use disorder treatment in the areas we serve across Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Delaware. The 2022 report provides a comprehensive, county-by-county look at the types of substances used, who is using them, and how this data compares to findings from our 2021 FrontLine Report.
Gaudenzia’s 2022 FrontLine Report will launch in tandem with a press conference and panel discussion hosted by Gaudenzia President & CEO Dr. Dale Klatzker that will feature commentary by key representatives from each state represented within the data on Friday, September 9th. Please check our social media accounts for additional updates coming soon.
National Addiction Professionals Day
Established in 1992, National Addiction Professionals Day falls on 9/20 and celebrates those who have dedicated their professional lives to helping individuals, families, and communities break the cycle of substance use and co-occurring disorders. We’re thrilled to celebrate our dedicated team members, who help make recovery possible for thousands of individuals every year.
Gaudenzia’s 24th Annual Race for Recovery
On Saturday, September 17th, it’s time to lace up those running shoes and join us for a 5K Run/Walk or 1K Fun Run/Walk in our 24th Annual Race for Recovery. Our Erie location proudly hosts this event each year during National Recovery Month to help raise funds that support essential treatment, prevention, and support services. This year, we’re excited to offer a virtual option so all can participate regardless of location.
SIGN UP FOR GAUDENZIA’S RACE FOR RECOVERY HERE
Keep an eye out for more upcoming events and activities, and from all of us here at Gaudenzia, happy National Recovery Month!
Follow Gaudenzia on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn — and don’t forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel to keep up with our 2022 Recovery Month celebrations.
If you or someone you love needs help with substance use disorder treatment, please call or 24-hour Treatment and Referral HelpLine at 833.976.HELP (4357) today or email [email protected]
