September is a big deal in the recovery community. Every year the nation gathers to honor National Recovery Month. Each day of September is dedicated to focusing on individuals who have recovered, and the communities that aid in that recovery. The month also offers much-needed hope for those still in active addiction.
At Emerge Healing Center, we couldn’t be more excited to welcome this celebratory month as it’s the first year we’re open in Alpharetta as a treatment center.
Substance addiction is a difficult field, as it’s often misunderstood. This month is special to us as it spreads awareness, specifically about the reality of treatment and how recovery is possible for everyone and anyone. Keep reading for the history of this important month, the official theme, and how to get involved locally and nationally.
History of National Recovery Month
This year marks the 33rd annual National Recovery Month. It began in 1989, launched by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA). The goal was to increase public awareness around mental health and addiction recovery. They also wanted to provide a space for those in recovery to share their stories and be honored, showing others with a substance use disorder that recovery is attainable.
Fast forward thirty years, and you could say the initiative was successful. Through the years, more and more treatment programs and recovery centers come together to fight the stigma around addiction by hosting events, posting recovery stories, and spreading awareness however possible. Today, Faces & Voices of Recovery have taken over the month and have a dedicated website with sharable graphics and events.
Along with the national recovery community, the White House has also spoken on this special month. President Biden issued a National proclamation, naming September 2022 National Recovery Month, which furthers the mission of honoring recovery in this nation.
National Recovery Month Official Theme
In years past, the month has always had a different dedicated theme. This year, SAMHSA announced they are adopting the theme “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community,” as the permanent tagline for every year to come.
Every Person. Every Family. Every Community. Those are powerful words. At its core, it reminds us that no one person, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or background, is beyond the reach of recovery if struggling with addiction. It reminds us to see the big picture and to never leave anyone out.
NAADAC, the National Association for Addiction Professionals, says that “the 2022 Recovery Month observance will work 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.”
They also remind us that the month educates on co-occurring disorders with substance addiction and the effectiveness of treatment. Furthering that mission, NAADAC established National Addiction Professionals Day on September 20. On behalf of all of us at Emerge Healing Center, we look forward to honoring the hard work of addiction professionals that day and every other.
How to Get Involved
National Recovery Month offers several ways to get involved both locally and nationally. See below for a list of events.
Local Georgia events:
Hosted by the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse with the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities, the following events are a great way to join the recovery community this month.
- The 2nd Annual Recovery Rally on Friday, September 16, from 6:30 PM-9:30 PM at 1400 Parker Rd., Conyers, GA 30094
- Georgia Recovers Together Celebration on Saturday, September 17, from 11 AM-2 PM at Pitts Park in Clarkesville, GA
- Market on Madison on Friday, September 23, from 5 PM-7 PM at 314 W Madison St, Dublin, GA 31021
- Rally for Recovery on Saturday, September 24, from 10 AM-12 PM at 3273 GA-17, Toccoa, GA 30577
For a full list of Georgia events, head here. For more details on each event, reach out to the Georgia Council on Substance Abuse at 404-523-3440.
National Recovery Month events:
In addition to local ways to participate, SAMHSA has an extensive list of events. While some are not located in the state, a few are virtual.
- National Opioid and Substance Awareness Day is on Tuesday, September 13, from 12 PM-3 PM. This virtual town hall event is co-hosted by the Brigham Health Program in Opioid and Pain Innovation in partnership with the Kennedy Forum, SAMHSA, Shatterproof, and the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry. The free event will feature Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, a panel discussion from HHS, CDC, and SAMSHA, presentations from BWH, and testimonials from persons with lived experience.
- OBHE Recovery Month Event on Thursday, September 22, from 1:30 PM-3 PM. Hosted virtually, this talk will be led by speaker Victoria Cargill, M.D., MSCE, Assistant Commissioner, Baltimore City Health Department. The session will touch on the need for behavioral health equity to ensure individuals in marginalized communities have access to recovery, treatment, and support.
- Young Adults in Recovery – Making Small Choices, Every Day, on Friday, September 30, at 1:15 PM will close out National Recovery Month. Being live-streamed via Zoom and on SAMHSA’s Facebook page, the panel discussion will be moderated by Tom Coderre, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for Mental Health and Substance Use at SAMHSA.
For a full list of events, head here.
Getting Treatment
This National Recovery Month, take the first step for yourself or a loved one by reaching out to a member of our team. If you have questions or are ready to start your recovery journey, we’re here to help. Contact our skilled addiction and mental health professionals at Emerge Healing Center to learn more about our treatment and program options.
