Celebrating National Alcohol & Drug Recovery Month

By: Leslie Holley
Monday, September 11, 2023

This September we celebrate National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month.

Starting in 1989, National Recovery Month was coined to promote and support evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, as well as to recognize the proud recovery community and the dedication service providers make to aid in recovery for communities. Bottomline, prevention works and treatment is effective.  People can and do recover from addiction.  

This month, lets celebrate these accomplishments, increase awareness, and foster a greater understanding about substance use disorders. 

There are 6 objectives of Recovery Month:

1. Promote the benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery

As of this year, according to the Butler Center for Research at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, nearly 89% of people completing alcohol treatment remain sober for the first month after rehabilitation. Additionally, between 85% and 95% of drug users that enter into treatment report being sober nine months post-rehab. In order to continue the addiction fight, prevention is also key.  80,000 people die from alcohol related deaths each year and nearly 43,000 people died of a drug overdose in 2013 alone. 

2. Celebrate people in recovery

Everyone likes to be celebrated and those in recovery can feel shame, disappointment, and isolation due to their addiction.  Celebrating someone in recovery can boost their confidence and self esteem. You can celebrate your loved one in recovery by hosting a sober event or educating others about the benefits of recovery on your social media platforms. Additionally, encouraging a proclamation with your local government leaders gives them an opportunity to commit to improving access to treatment programs and increases awareness in your local community. 

3. Recognize the contributions of treatment and service providers

In recent years, the rate of burnout for mental health professionals has increased.  This month, celebrate their contributions. Honoring a friend or family member who works in mental health via social media, sending a thoughtful card, or checking in with them to remind them the importance of self care is important. 

4. Spread the message that recovery is possible

Recovery works. According to Meta Addiction Treatment, 70% of people who successfully complete alcohol rehabilitation still remain sober 9 months after leaving a rehab facility.  Additionally, 68% of people who go through medically supervised detoxification for drugs and alcohol reported a successful rehabilitation experience.

5. Share the idea that behavioral health is essential for overall health

Mental health is just as important as physical health.  Let’s continue to decrease the stigma that comes with mental health support. 

6. Educate people that treatment is effective, and people can and do recover

Again, recovery works and the statistics prove that those in recovery can heal from addiction.

For more information, you can reach out to us, where you can schedule a consultation and talk about your counseling needs. 

About Vaughn Greene Funeral Services: For more than 25 years, Vaughn Greene Funeral Services has been providing a ministry of care to Baltimore’s African American community. As a leading local, minority- and family-owned provider, we promise to provide our highest level of service and respect to families who entrust us to honor their loved ones. For more information about our funeral, cremation, memorial, repast, and grief counseling services, please call us at 410.655.0015 or visit us online at https://vaughncgreene.com/.

Sources:

  • https://www.addictionhelp.com/recovery/statistics/
  • https://www.therecoveryvillage.com/recovery/celebrating-national-recovery-month/
  • https://www.naatp.org/addiction-treatment-statistics
  • https://www.pyramid-healthcare.com/10-fun-ways-to-celebrate-national-recovery-month-this-year/
  • https://metaaddictiontreatment.com/does-drug-rehab-work-lets-look-at-the-statistics/#:~:text=76%25%20of%20people%20who%20successfully,after%20leaving%20a%20rehab%20facility.

 

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