Admitting you have a problem with drugs or alcohol and seeking help at an addiction recovery program takes courage and strength. Every September at Atlanta Detox Center we celebrate National Recovery Month. This is a time to reflect on that courage and strength, as well as the heart and soul of the treatment professionals who dedicate their lives to helping end substance abuse in addiction recovery programs nationwide.

In its third decade, National Recovery Month is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration of the federal government, in conjunction with several hundred state and local planning partners across the United States. National Recovery Month seeks to involve and honor individuals in addiction recovery or who are still facing substance abuse or mental health challenges.

If you think you are one of those individuals but have not yet looked into addiction recovery programs, reach out to Atlanta Detox Center today to speak to one of our caring staff members about your options. Just call 470-450-2355 or use our online form.

History of National Recovery Month

The first National Recovery Month in 1989 was actually named “Treatment Works! Month” and focused on health care, addiction treatment therapies, and professionals who work in the drug and alcohol community. Treatment Works! Month evolved over the next decade to include recognition of the hard work and bravery of individuals who have faced the challenges of substance abuse. Redesignated as National Recovery Month, it also encompasses individuals with anxiety, depression, or other mental health challenges.

National Recovery Month is centralized under the SAMHSA umbrella. More than 300 federal, state, and local government organizations, as well as non-profits and related associations, plan and execute events relating to all aspects of National Recovery Month, including local activities and celebrations highlighting addiction recovery and mental health treatment.

Celebrate National Recovery Month

Though September is officially National Recovery Month, celebrations on its themes can be held across the calendar year. There are a range of celebrations that vary depending on the organizations sponsoring them.

A few ways to celebrate National Recovery Month are:

  • Create a “safe recovery space” for members of the LGBTQIA+ community struggling with substance abuse, mental health challenges, or both.
  • Offer classes or training in “mental health first aid” so people can sharpen their abilities to recognize individuals in need of help.
  • Sponsor a National Recovery Month Harvest Party at a local addiction/rehab center that focuses on healthy habits and fun without drugs or alcohol.
  • Organize community messaging that highlights the importance of addiction treatment therapies and provides referrals to local options.
  • Organize a “self-care” day emphasizing tips and encouragement for exercise, mindfulness practices, nutrition, and other forms of self-care.
  • Host a run or walk to raise funds for substance abuse treatment in your community.
  • Sell T-shirts or other merchandise with uplifting messages about recovery and mental health.

The opportunities to recognize both professionals involved in the drug addiction treatment community and the individuals who benefit from their dedication are endless.

Promote Addiction Recovery and Mental Health

As you or your organization plan ways to honor and celebrate National Recovery Month this year, think of ways to use messaging and social media to connect your local events to what is happening across the country. Doing so honors the people who make up the diverse recovery community.

Purple is the designated color for National Recovery Month. Hand out purple ribbons to participants at your events and remind them that people across the United States are wearing purple ribbons this month, too, to send a message to everyone who is in recovery or supports those who are.

Promote National Recovery Month on social media and other platforms. There are some ideas about spreading the word about this important month-long event that connects people with shared experience and normalizes help-seeking.

A few of these ideas include:

  • Use Recovery Month materials on your website or personal blog
  • Include links to important websites in your social profiles
  • Share your own recovery or mental health story
  • Share resources that can help others in recovery or seeking mental health treatment
  • Like and share the National Recovery Month official Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook pages
  • De-stigmatize prevention, treatment, and recovery by putting out positive messaging
  • Promote local Recovery Month events

Use hashtags to link to all the others who are posting about this meaningful month as well:

  • #RecoveryMonth
  • #NationalRecoveryMonth
  • #NationalRecoveryMonth2021
  • #NRM2021

Discover Addiction Treatment Therapies at Atlanta Detox Center

Recovery is something to celebrate throughout the year, but especially during National Recovery Month. If you need help or are worried about a loved one, consider the substance abuse treatment programs at Atlanta Detox Center. Our team of doctors and counselors is experienced in addiction medicine and can help you with addiction to drugs or alcohol.

We provide support as you seek to eliminate these substances from your life and restore hope and stability. Reach a counselor today for an initial evaluation by calling Atlanta Detox Center at 470-450-2355 or using our online form.

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