Every September, America celebrates Recovery Month! National Recovery Month, began by the federal government and sponsored and managed by the organization, Faces & Voice of Recovery, is a national observance held annually in the month of September to, according to SAMHSA, “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.”
Prior to 2022, each National Recovery Month was given a theme, a focus of the month to raise awareness about recovery from addiction and shine a light on a specific area of recovery and the recovery community. However, this year’s National Recovery Month has adopted last year’s theme of “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.” Moving forward, it has been decided that “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community” will be the permanent tagline of National Recovery Month each year and no longer will there be a new theme announced for each National Recovery Month in the future.
According to the website for Faces & Voices of Recovery, Recovery Month “celebrates the gains made by those in recovery from substance use and mental health, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.” National Recovery Month offers a platform to celebrate those in recovery and send a message to those still struggling with addiction, substance use disorders, and mental health conditions that recovery is both possible and probable.
Throughout National Recovery Month, states, local communities, non-profits, healthcare systems, and addiction and mental health treatment facilities will host events that are meant to break the stigma of addiction and mental health, share stories of those who have found recovery, and celebrate new and innovative approaches that are taking place in addiction treatment. Additionally, many events will offer educational and informative opportunities, promote harm reduction initiatives like the handing out of naloxone and Narcan, and share addiction treatment, mental health, and recovery support services that will be helpful to someone struggling with addiction or mental illness.
National Recovery Month is a celebration of life by celebrating recovery. Millions of people throughout the country suffer from addiction and mental health issues, but millions more have found recovery from addiction and the darkness of mental health struggles. National Recovery Month celebrates those who have found a way out of the darkness, while also looking to help those still struggling. Sharing hope, sharing stories, and sharing information and resources offers a powerful helping hand to those who still suffer, and can be an important first step in overcoming addiction and mental health issues, finding health, wellness, and healing, and walking a transformative path of recovery.
Throughout Maryland, there are National Recovery Month events:
September 16th, 2022
Recovery Month presented by Frederick County Health Department
Description: “Come out and join us at Baker Park on September 16th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm EDT. Our family-friendly community event will include community agency stakeholders, children’s activities, DJ/music, personal testimonies, food trucks, and community resources.”
September 17th, 2022
National Recovery Month Night Out hosted by Rage Against Addiction
Description: “To honor National Recovery Month this September, we will be hosting a National Recovery Month Night Out at Mount Zion Church in Bel Air, Maryland from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. This family-friendly event is sure to be an amazing event of flavorful food, energizing games and prizes, and great company, all the while acknowledging and celebrating recovery. Music will be hosted by The Perfect Beat. Tickets are $40 per person.”
September 18th, 2022
2022 10th Annual Recovery Walk, by Anne Arundel County ROSC and Recovery Anne Arundel
Doors open at 11:00am
Description: “Join the VOICES FOR RECOVERY at our annual event and walk through downtown Annapolis.”
September 24th, 2022
1st Annual Walk for Recovery presented by St. Mary’s Goes Purple
9:00am-11:00am on Washington Street in Leonardtown, Maryland
Description: “Join us for this free, family-friendly event to celebrate and support those in recovery. Attendees will receive a t-shirt and water bottle. Recovery resources and information will be available. Come walk, connect, and celebrate! Featured activities include: face painting, rock painting, scavenger hunt, giveaways, Naloxone/Narcan training.”
September 30th, 2022
Night of Hope presented by Wicomico Goes Purple
Salisbury Amphitheater in Salisbury, Maryland
6:00pm-7:30pm
If you or someone you know needs help for addiction or co-occurring disorder issues, please give us a call. Maryland Addiction Recovery Center offers the most comprehensive dual diagnosis addiction treatment in the Mid-Atlantic area. If we aren’t the best fit for you or your loved one, we will take the necessary time to work with you to find a treatment center or provider that better fits your needs. Please give us a call at (410) 773-0500 or email our team at info@marylandaddictionrecovery.com. For more information on all of our drug addiction, alcohol addiction and co-occurring disorder services and recovery resources, please visit our web site at www.marylandaddictionrecovery.com.
