In 1784, Dr. Benjamin Rush first proposed the idea that addiction was a disease and should be treated as any other medical condition. Since then, various societies, organizations and government agencies have undertaken the cause of helping people regain their sobriety. In 2022, President Biden made an official proclamation that September was to be known as National Recovery Month. Along with this proclamation, he pledged 26 million dollars to aid in the prevention, treatment and recovery efforts of those who are fighting addictions.
Recovery Month’s Story
Started in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Recovery Month was intended not only to raise awareness for substance abuse and underlying conditions, but also to celebrate recovery.
Recovery Month 2022 is now the responsibility of Faces and Voices of Recovery. Instead of a new theme every year, they have decided to adopt a tagline for the entire organization, “Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.’”
They hope that this motto will remind people that no individual, family or location is immune to the effects of addictions and that by coming together we can help all of those who battle substance abuse.
Faces and Voices of Recovery hope that each September they can report on new, effective treatment practices. They also want to encourage and support those who have begun their journey to sobriety and the healthcare professionals that help them.
Observing Recovery Month 2022
There are many ways to observe Recovery Month. It may be as simple as looking yourself in the mirror and reminding yourself how far you have come in your journey to sobriety. If you are not the one in recovery, then hug a loved one who is and tell them you support them.
If you want a more public way to celebrate, you can visit the Faces and Voices of Recovery website and leave your story. You can also check with your state and local governments. Many of them are offering events to celebrate and encourage those who are in or working towards recovery.
Battling Addiction: A Mental and Physical Journey
While the effects of addictions are often physical, the underlying conditions that led to substance abuse need to be explored and treated as well. It is vital that a recovering addict take the steps to understand any underlying conditions or emotions that contributed to their addiction. At PACE, we use the term recovery for those recovering from substance abuse and behavioral health conditions like anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and bi-polar disorder. The term “recovery” can be applied to anyone recovering from something personal and profound.
Get The Help You Need
Recovery is a journey that very few people can manage on their own. At PACE, young men come together in a safe environment and find group and individual therapy, camaraderie, unique recreational experiences, and proven treatments to help them become and stay sober. We celebrate Recovery Month each year by recognizing the number of young men and family members we’ve helped jumpstart their recovery and to reflect on how our work has led to successful outcomes at PACE and where we can grow more.
