Ending The Stigma on National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month teaches us that prevention works and treatment is effective

National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September. This month is about celebrating individuals who have conquered their recovery journey, those who are progressing on their recovery treatment, raising awareness on how prevention and treatment work, and creating a strong recovery community.

This month-long event promotes that behavioral health, as well as overall health, is equally important. Often people around us battling mental and substance use disorders face the challenge of social stigma and hesitate to seek help.

National Recovery Month teaches us that prevention works and treatment is effective. We can actively participate in ending the stigma and raising awareness during this month.

  • Participate in the recovery month events. Even if you’re not someone in recovery, you can help others and society at large.

  • Faces and Voices of Recovery will be hosting the Recovery Month Website this year. Share your area’s recovery month events there so that more people get to know about it and join.

  • Share your story if you have a recovery journey. It might inspire thousands of individuals.

  • With the help of your area’s recovery programs, promote the messages on how one can prevent addiction, what should friends, family, and caregivers do for a recovering individual, and how support groups work.

  • Spread the message that nobody is alone in recovery. “No one should feel alone or without the information, support, and help they need.”- NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health)

Let’s transform society’s view on behavioral illness and motivate individuals to seek treatment when necessary. Mental health illness should not be looked at as a stigma anymore. It’s the same as any physical illness, and a cure is possible.

Samantha Penn