September is National Recovery Month

Every September, the United States observes National Recovery Month, an annual observance established in 1989 to recognize that recovery from substance use disorder is possible and to bring greater attention to the need for accessible care.

Recovery remains a critical public health issue. According to the 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 48.4 million Americans age 12 and older experienced a substance use disorder in the past year. More than 52 million people were identified as needing treatment, yet only about one in five received it.

Treatment can be an important step toward recovery, but maintaining recovery often extends far beyond formal care. Community organizations can provide the connection and support that help people continue moving forward.

That role can be seen in Durango, Colorado, where the Animas Alano Club provides a permanent, substance free gathering place for people in recovery and their families. The independent nonprofit serves the Four Corners region and provides space for recovery groups throughout the week. Organizations like the Animas Alano Club are important because they give people a place to stay connected to recovery within their own community.

The same need exists across the country. In Arlington, Virginia, the Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative was created in response to the impact of opioids in the community and helps residents connect with appropriate services while working to reduce substance related harm. Its work demonstrates how local communities can respond to substance use at multiple stages, from prevention through recovery.

At MAPDA, we believe prevention and recovery are both essential to addressing substance use. Prevention works to reduce substance use before it begins, while treatment provides a path forward for people who are already affected. Recovery Month reinforces the importance of addressing both sides of this issue so fewer people develop substance use disorders and those who do have an opportunity to recover.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available.

Animas Alano Club
https://animasalanoclub.org

Arlington Addiction Recovery Initiative
https://www.arlingtonva.us/Government/Programs/Health/Arlington-Addiction-Recovery-Initiative

Caron Treatment Centers
https://www.caron.org

FindTreatment.gov
https://findtreatment.gov

SAMHSA Recovery Month
https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/recovery-month

SAMHSA National Helpline
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA National Recovery Month
https://www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/recovery-month

SAMHSA 2024 National Survey on Drug Use and Health
https://www.samhsa.gov/data/data-we-collect/nsduh-national-survey-drug-use-and-health/national-releases/2024