Millions of people struggle with substance addictions each year. The National Survey on Drug Use and Mental Health found that 8.5 percent of the US population had a substance dependence or abuse problem. Every September, SAMHSA sponsors National Recovery Month to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders and celebrate the people who recover.
Recovery is a process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. There are many pathways that support recovery from substance abuse:
- Health: overcoming or managing one’s disease(s) or symptoms—for example, abstaining from use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and non-prescribed medications if one has an addiction problem—and for everyone in recovery, making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional wellbeing.
- Home: a stable and safe place to live;
- Purpose: meaningful daily activities, such as a job, school, volunteerism, family caretaking, or creative endeavors, and the independence, income and resources to participate in society; and
- Community: relationships and social networks that provide support, friendship, love, and hope.
- Addressing Trauma: unaddressed trauma severely increases the risk of a person developing substance abuse.
How You Can Support Recovery Month:
1. Learn to Listen & Don't Judge: Be available to listen to your loved one’s victories and struggles, and refrain from criticism and negativity. Instead, express love for your loved one and praise his decision to maintain sobriety.
2. Learn to recognize the physical and behavioral signs of alcohol and other drug abuse.
Increased aggression or irritability, change in attitude/personality, lethargy, depression, sudden changes in habits and priorities, financial problems, involvement in criminal activity.
3. Provide a drug-free zone for friends and family in recovery, and encourage substance-free activities: One of the biggest predictors of long-term recovery is whether or not users live in drug-free environments.
4. Encourage a friend or family member in need of help to attend a substance abuse treatment or counseling program: Recovering addicts can interact with other recovering addicts while receiving encouragement.
5. Be Patient: Recovery is a long process.
2. Learn to recognize the physical and behavioral signs of alcohol and other drug abuse.
Increased aggression or irritability, change in attitude/personality, lethargy, depression, sudden changes in habits and priorities, financial problems, involvement in criminal activity.
3. Provide a drug-free zone for friends and family in recovery, and encourage substance-free activities: One of the biggest predictors of long-term recovery is whether or not users live in drug-free environments.
4. Encourage a friend or family member in need of help to attend a substance abuse treatment or counseling program: Recovering addicts can interact with other recovering addicts while receiving encouragement.
5. Be Patient: Recovery is a long process.
Millions Are In Need of Treatment for Substance Abuse
Mental Illness is a Co-Occurring Factor
Alcohol and Marijuana Are Among Most Abused Substances
Opioid and Drug Overdose Deaths Are Rising
Resources
- IMPACT
- River Center
- Omni Center
- Pasadena Council on Alcoholism and Dependence
- Jewish Family Service
- Pacific Clinics
- Pasadena Public Health Department, Substance Abuse Treatment & Prevention
- Prototypes
- Foothill Family
- Spiritt Family Centers
- Aegis Treatment Centers
- National Council of Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline - 1-800-662 HELP (4357) for information and treatment referral
- Nar-Anon . 12-step program for family and friends of drug addicts.
- Al-Anon . 12-step program for family and friends of alcoholics.
- Adult Children of Alcoholics . A group for adults who grew up in an alcoholic household and display characteristics associated with trauma and abuse.
- Families Anonymous . All-encompassing 12-step program for family and friends of those afflicted by substance abuse or behavioral addictions.
- SMART Recovery Family and Friends . A science-based support program for family and friends of alcoholics, drug addicts and other related addictions.
