National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month

On August 31 of this year, President Biden proclaimed September 2021 as National Recovery Month. This action was taken due to the amount of individuals within the United States who are struggling with substance use disorder, which we have seen get worse since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The struggles and hardships that individuals have, and continue to deal with on a daily basis because of the pandemic has put a toll on the lives of many Americans.

National Recovery Month will be an important time to celebrate the individuals who have made progress in their road to recovery, and to provide education to all Americans about substance use treatment and mental health services that can help individuals with substance use disorder to live a more healthy and rewarding life. This year\’s theme for National Recovery Month is, “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” and the National Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC) note that this is to remind individuals in recovery and those who support them that they are not alone. In fact, the CDC informs us that in 2018 there were 11.7% of the U.S. population, aged 12 years and older, who used an illicit drug each month, and a total of 67,367 overdose deaths occurred during that year as well. According to a 2021 CNN article published on July 17th, there has been a 30% rise in drug overdose deaths in the U.S. which is the highest number ever recorded. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem, there are many resources available including national and local resources. 

National Helpline (SAMHSA): 1 (800) 662-HELP(4357) 

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Alcohol/Drug Council of North Carolina (ADCNC): 1 (800) 688-4232 or (919)-908-3196 

https://www.alcoholdrughelp.org/

Rebecca Bennett

Mental Health Student Intern