Special contribution by Gloria Uridel from Communities for Recovery

Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who manage other health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma and heart disease.

Originally sponsored by SAMHSA (Substance and Mental Health Services Administration), National Recovery month is now sponsored by Faces and Voices of Recovery and is in its 31st year.  This year’s theme is Celebrating Connections.

Recovery Month increases awareness of substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders and celebrates the fact that people do live healthy, full lives in recovery. It works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong, proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery possible in all forms.

Each September, tens of thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and facilities around the country celebrate Recovery Month. They speak about the gains made by those in recovery and share their success stories with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues. In doing so, everyone helps to increase awareness and furthers a greater understanding about the diseases of mental and substance use disorders.

There are numerous events happening all September to celebrate Recovery Month. In Texas, the Big Texas Rally for Recovery is happening September 17-19, virtually.

Communities for Recovery is a non-profit organization in Austin that advocates for and supports long-term recovery for people with substance use and co-occurring mental health conditions by partnering with community-based, peer-based recovery supports and services. Visit their website to learn more.