National Recovery Month to Raise Awareness of Mental and Substance Use Disorder Support Services

NEW JERSEY – September is National Recovery Month and there is a national movement seen online in social media as well as in local communities where people are coming forward to advocate for a reduction in the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders.  Focusing on mental health and substance use disorders and the many pathways to wellness in Sussex County and throughout our state and country is an important way to increase the health and recovery of individuals and family members who are personally affected by these disorders.  Prevention specialists and counselors at The Center in Newton are calling on community members with an interest in advocating for recovery services to attend Recovery Advocacy meetings which are being held at The Center.  To promote widespread national observance of September as Recovery Month, The Center would like the community to know they can always turn to their dedicated staff to become involved in advocating for themselves, family members and/or friends.

The first meeting of the Sussex/Warren Recovery Advocacy group, chaired by Aaron Kucharski of NCADD-NJ (The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-New Jersey), was held on August 27^th at The Center in Newton with over 17 in attendance including people in recovery, county employees, parents, counselors, school staff and other local community members. After everyone shared why they felt it was important to attend the meeting, the group discussed planning a “Community Listening Forum.”  Many of these forums have been successful in other areas of the state to address the stigma of addiction and mental health disorders and how this discourages people and families from seeking treatment.  The next Recovery Advocacy Meeting  will be held on Tuesday September 23^rd at 6:30pm at The Center, 61 Spring Street, Newton, NJ where there will be more brainstorming, pizza and refreshments and, as always, a home baked treat! Call or email The Center to put your email and name on the list to be notified of this and future Recovery Advocacy meetings to become part of the solution to “stigma busting!”

People everywhere can also participate in Recovery Month right from their own home by sending emails to local legislators, encouraging them to support bills and public policies that advance treatment and prevention for persons with substance use disorders. Imagine, as the parent, family member, loved one or concerned friend of a person who incurred a record due to illegal drug use, that you could advocate for laws and policies that enhance the possibility for them to achieve, maintain and sustain recovery?  You could easily make a difference! Check out this link from NCADD-NJ to get started:  http://www.ncaddnj.org/page/Think-Advocacy.aspx  Here is an overview of NCADD’s newest grassroots campaign effort called “Road to Recovery” which proposes several positive support measures for people who have been affected by substance use disorders. Click on this link to learn more:  http://cqrcengage.com/ncaddnj/R2R

More about September’s National Recovery Month

What is National Recovery Month?

National Recovery Month is an annual observance celebrated each September since 1989.  In September and throughout the year, Recovery Month spreads the message that: Behavioral health is essential to health; Prevention works; Treatment is effective; and People recover.

Who sponsors Recovery Month? 

Recovery Month is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), in collaboration with approximately 200 Recovery Month Planning Partners who represent local, state, and national organizations dedicated to prevention, treatment, and recovery.

What is this year’s Recovery Month theme?

As Recovery Month celebrates its 25th anniversary, this year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery:  Speak Up, Reach Out,” represents the many ways that people can prevent behavioral health issues, seek treatment, and sustain recovery as part of a commitment to living a mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually healthy life. http://recoverymonth.gov/Get-Involved.aspx

What events occur during Recovery Month?

Each September – and throughout the year – hundreds of events occur to celebrate Recovery Month.  These events, ranging from recovery walks and rallies to online web chats and group barbeques, encourage the following audiences to address the continued need for prevention, treatment, and recovery support services: Active military and veterans; Civic leaders; Communities; Educators; Employers; Faith-based organizations; Faith leaders; First responders; Friends and family members; Justice system personnel; Policymakers; Prevention, treatment, and recovery organizations; Recovery community; Social service organizations; and Youth & young adults. There are Facebook pages, Twitter accounts, blogs and many other social media outlets that promote ongoing recovery advocacy opportunities. Search these sites and share their information thus encouraging the positive movement toward improving the climate for recovery.

Where can people find treatment for mental and/or substance use disorders?

In Sussex County, people can visit www.centerforprevention.org or call (973)338-4787 and also dial 211 to obtain resources and learn about treatment options which exist.  Call and ask to speak with someone about help for yourself or someone else. The earlier mental health and substance use disorders are addressed, the better the outcomes of the disease symptoms. Very importantly, when family members reach out to educate and obtain help for themselves, quite often, relationships and situations improve- whether or not the person with the disorder seeks assistance.

Community members interested in more information about Recovery Advocacy can also log on to http://www.ncaddnj.org/page/Advocacy-Leader-Program.aspx, www.centerforprevention.org  or call The Center in Newton at (973)383-4787 or call or email:annmarie@centerforprevention.org

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