September is Recovery Month

The observance of National Recovery Month, which takes place each September, raises awareness of substance use and mental disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of prevention, treatment and recovery service providers. 

This year’s Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together On Pathways to Wellness,” emphasizes that while the road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and overcoming mental and/or substance use disorders are significant and valuable to individuals, families, and communities. The theme also highlights that people in recovery achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally, and contribute in positive ways to their communities. They also prove to others that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover.” (SAMHSA)

Recovery Month spreads the message that behavioral health is an essential part of health and one’s overall wellness, and that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover from substance use and mental disorders. 

Recovery Month highlights the importance of communities nationwide to promote prevention, treatment, and recovery services not only in September, but throughout the year. In 2009, 4.3 million people aged 12 or older (1.7 percent of the population) received treatment for substance use disorders, and 30.2 million adults aged 18 or older (13.3 percent of the population) received services for mental health problems according to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. 

Recovery Month highlights the benefits of treatment and recovery for not only the individual, but for their family, friends, workplace, and society as a whole. By educating the public that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover from these conditions, stigma associated with substance use and mental disorders and treatment services can be eliminated. 

Recovery Month can help people understand the importance of supporting: 1. Individuals in long-term recovery; 2 Those in need of treatment; 3.Those who work within the treatment field; and 4. Prevention, treatment and recovery support services.

Alcohol and drug treatment services available in Putnam County are:

Arms Acres
www.armsacres.com
845-225-5202
Putnam Family & Community Services
www.pfcsinc.org
845-225-2700
St. Christopher's Inn
www.stchristophersinn-graymoor.org
1-800-424-0027
Walter Hoving Home
www.walterhovinghome.com
845-242-3674

For more information, or if you need a referral, please call the National Council on Alcoholism and Other Drug Dependencies/Putnam at (845)225-4646 or visit www.putnamncadd.org