September is National Recovery Month

September is National Recovery Month the observance is in its 24th year and is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

“Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.” RecoveryMonth.gov

There is a strong correlation between mental and substance use disorders.  According to SAMHSA, more than one in four adults with serious mental illness also suffer from a substance use disorder, and people with substance use disorders are nearly twice as likely to have a mood or anxiety disorder as those who do not.

“Between 70 and 90 percent of people with a mental illness experience significant reduction of symptoms and improved quality of life with a combination of medication and psychosocial treatments. – For many patients with a substance use disorder, a treatment and recovery plan – which is tailored to address each patient’s drug abuse patterns and drug-related medical, psychiatric, and social problems – is most effective. This may include treatment medication, when available, in conjunction with behavioral therapy.” 1

For more information and to find Recovery Month events in your area go to http://www.recoverymonth.gov/

1 Kolodney, C. (2014). Treatment & Recovery. http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Recovery-Month-Kit/Targeted-Outreach/Treatment-and-Recovery.aspx