Every September for 35 years, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has been celebrating National Recovery Month. What began in 1989 as a month to build awareness and highlight the commitment of addiction treatment professionals later broadened to include those struggling with alcohol and drug abuse disorders as well as co-occurring mental health challenges.
Although the event originated in the USA, today, it is celebrated globally to reflect and include the extensive range of professionals in the field as well as everyone on the path to recovery. This month-long event celebrates those in recovery while aiming to educate the general public about mental health and addiction issues and provide valuable resources to patients and their families.
The message of National Recovery Month has become even more relevant in recent years as the opioid crisis continues to rise with increasing rates of overdoses. A worldwide awareness of cutting-edge therapies and mental health and addiction treatment resources is urgently needed.
Why do we celebrate National Recovery Month?
According to the UK Government, from 2022-2023, over 290,000 adults contacted drug and alcohol services. Of the 137,749 of those entering treatment, nearly half (48%) were there for opiate addiction, 30% for alcohol use disorder, with a rising percentage for treatments related to powder and crack cocaine. In addition, more than 71% of those UK adults starting treatment said they also needed therapy for mental health issues.
These are the sad and sobering statistics of addiction.
But there is good news!
While the numbers seem quite grim, researchers and drug policy experts agree: Most individuals who experience alcohol and drug addiction survive, recover and go on to live full and healthy lives.
Of the 127,385 UK Nationals who entered and left treatment, nearly half (46%) successfully completed their treatment and considered themselves drug and alcohol-free.
In the USA, a 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) reported that nearly 21 million American adults considered themselves to be in recovery, with 1.18 million adults having recovered from opioid use disorder.
Dr. John Kelly, Harvard Professor of Psychiatry in the Field of Addiction Medicine, co-authored a study that found more than 22 million Americans live in recovery, “This is really good news I think and something to share and be hopeful about.”
At White River Manor, we absolutely agree with Dr. John Kelly. We celebrate everyone on the road to recovery and all the individuals who make recovery possible. From dedicated professional service providers to families in crisis and caring communities to those who have relapsed and are seeking help again, together, we can help build awareness of what recovery truly means. By promoting and supporting National Recovery Month, we can help those in recovery learn to live a better life.
How can you help celebrate National Recovery Month?
National Recovery Month can be celebrated in various ways in a fun and sober manner. It could be something as simple as:
- Send out a company-wide email celebrating the event.
- Host an event at your neighbourhood community centre to honour a family member or loved one struggling with addiction.
- Speak out about your own recovery journey.
- Contact your government leaders.
- Plan a Recovery Walk or Recovery Bake Off to raise awareness.
- Use social media to write a post highlighting National Recovery Month and use relevant hashtags. #RecoveryIsForEveryone, #RecoveryMonth, #RecoveryIsPossible
- Join the conversation. All month, you’ll find social media posts about National Recovery Month.
The important thing is to become an advocate for addiction recovery. Most people don’t just “survive” addiction; they often thrive! With the option of long-term recovery and innovative therapies—they go on to achieve great things.
How White River Manor can help
Recovery Month is the perfect time to celebrate your achievements in overcoming drug or alcohol addiction. But many are just coming to terms with reaching out for help with substance use disorder—a chronic disease that can lead to harmful side effects, overdose and even death. But with the right treatment, it’s possible to achieve long-term recovery. It just takes one step to start.
At White River Manor, we understand that substance use disorder is different for everyone, which is why we offer a unique approach to intervention with individualised client treatment plans. Our expert team conducts an in-depth assessment to understand the true nature of your disorder, the emotional patterns surrounding it, and any co-occurring mental health issues you may also be presenting.
All of our world-class treatment programs include the following:
- Inpatient treatment and outpatient support
- Medical detoxification
- Evidence-based therapies, including behavioural therapy, trauma treatment, and wellness programs
- Group therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health issues
- One-on-one therapy sessions with our professional counsellors
- Relapse prevention
- Aftercare and support program
Situated in the heart of the stunning South African bushveld, White River Manor provides a serene setting for discerning individuals seeking professional help for addiction, trauma and burnout. With decades of professional experience in addiction and wellness treatment, White River Manor understands that taking the first step and asking for help can be the most difficult one.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we can help. Contact us today and take that first step. We’re so glad you’re here.
About Gert Janse Van Rensburg
Gert Janse van Rensburg is a Clinical Psychologist and Equine Therapist at White River Manor. With over two decades of experience, Gert helps oversee most of the clients, bringing deep knowledge and a calming presence to addiction recovery.
