As we near the last days of summer, with family vacations coming to a close and students heading back to school for the fall semester, we’ve got our sights set on an important time for the recovery community— National Recovery Month.
Starting with International Overdose Awareness Day on Aug. 31st – the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, acknowledge the grief of friends and family left behind, as well as extend our gratitude to those who have experienced an overdose but are still with us and have new life in recovery – September’s month-long event is dedicated to celebration, education, and Advocacy. National Recovery Month is an annual observance that has been crucial in the fight against addiction and mental health stigma. It highlights the realities of recovery and the power of support systems.
No matter where you find yourself on the recovery journey, whether it’s honoring your own strength and resilience, supporting a loved one who is new on their journey, or simply looking for ways to get involved in the community, your recovery matters. Curious about how to get involved and why Recovery Month matters? Read below as we share about the culture and history of National Recovery Month.
Historical Milestones for Recovery Advocacy
According to Faces & Voices of Recovery, National Recovery Month began in September of 1989 “to celebrate the recovery community and highlight the importance of evidence-based treatment and recovery practices.”
For 35 years, National Recovery Month has raised awareness about the challenges and successes of those on their recovery journeys. This observance has helped educate the broader public on the realities of addiction and recovery, offered an opportunity for individuals to share their personal stories of victory over substance use disorder, and has also encouraged and empowered others to do the same.
Here is a quick timeline (though not a complete list) of significant recovery milestones from the 1750s to the 2000s leading up to National Recovery Month.
Recovery Timeline:
The 1750s-1800s: “Alcoholic Mutual Aid” – These societies, or “sobriety circles,” were formed within various Native American tribes and focused on an abstinence-based movement
1784: Dr. Benjamin Rush introduced the concept that alcoholism is a “disease that required treatment” and offered an education that laid the groundwork for the temperance movement
1850s: Lodging Homes were introduced that offered non-medical detoxification, seclusion from drinking cultures, and the formation of sober fellowships, with one of the earliest homes opening in Boston during this time
1935: The first federal “narcotics farm” (U.S. Public Health Prison Hospital) opened in Lexington, Kentucky, which began the federal involvement with addiction research and treatment. Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.) was also founded by Bill Wilson and Dr. Bob Smith, former alcoholics
1938: The second federally-backed narcotics facility opened in Fort Worth, Texas, in 1938
1939: “Alcoholics Anonymous”, also known as the “Big Book,” was introduced as a guideline on how to stay sober (and is still heavily practiced today!)
1950-1951: A.A.’s membership had surpassed 90,000, and the organization received widespread recognition, including the Lasker Award from the American Public Health Association
1965: The American Psychiatric Association urged its members to learn about alcoholism and advocated for health insurance plans to cover alcoholism treatment
1989: National Recovery Month, formerly known as Treatment Works! Month began as a way to honor the hard work of addiction professionals
1998: Renamed National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month to include the work of individuals suffering from substance use disorder
2011: Popularized as National Recovery Month for short of including segments of behavioral health
The Main Focus for National Recovery 2024 and Onward
Every Person. Every Family. Every Community. – This powerful theme, recently adopted as National Recovery Month’s official tagline, sets the tone for our collective efforts in the upcoming year. It embodies the community-wide commitment to help those on an individual, familial, and communal level. Whether you’re a service provider, recovery advocate, or community member, we value your dedication and daily efforts in ensuring that recovery is possible for everyone.
For 2024’s focus, National Recovery Month aims “to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.”
Why Celebration, Education, and Advocacy Matters
During Recovery Month, three key pillars aid in fighting against addiction, supporting long-term recovery, and ending the stigma of substance abuse disorder: Celebration, education, and Advocacy. But why do these pillars matter?
Celebration
Recovery is worth celebrating! For individuals who have navigated the challenging journey of overcoming addiction, each milestone represents strength, resilience, and the promise of a brighter future. In celebrating our victories, we extend the invite for others to embark on their new life in recovery. By “recovering out loud,” we encourage, empower, and equip others with the right tools, resources, and support to remind them that their energy is worth fighting for and that healing is possible! By celebrating our strength and resilience, we acknowledge the pain of addiction AND the beauty of hope and healing in recovery.
Education
Continual education not only teaches us how to become better advocates, but it also equips us with the right tools and resources to better understand the disease of addiction. From dispelling myths and misconceptions about substance use disorders to providing accurate information about addiction, recovery processes, and the effectiveness of evidence-based treatments, education empowers individuals, families, and communities to make informed decisions.
Advocacy
Advocacy is essential for creating lasting change. By raising awareness around the true challenges faced, pushing for policies to support individual, family, and community needs, and dismantling the stigma around addiction, Advocacy makes it easier for those in need to seek the treatment they deserve. Advocacy gives a voice to those who have been marginalized by addiction, ensuring that their stories are heard and their needs are met. From improving access to treatment, securing funding for recovery programs, or promoting laws that protect the rights of those in recovery, Advocacy encourages community members to get involved in the fight against addiction.
How to Get Involved In National Recovery Month (and beyond!)
Participating in National Recovery Month offers a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the fight against addiction, but your efforts don’t have to end in September. Throughout the year, you can continue to support the recovery community by attending local events, organizing your own initiatives, or sharing your recovery story to inspire and encourage others.
Volunteering with recovery organizations and advocating for policies that enhance access to mental health and addiction treatment are impactful ways to contribute not just during National Recovery Month, but all year round. By staying engaged, you help sustain the momentum of recovery advocacy, ensuring that the fight against addiction continues long after the month is over.