Tens of millions of Americans struggle with drug or alcohol addiction each year. And this is often a silent battle due to fear of judgment or rejection. Raising awareness starts by observing National Recovery Month each September. Addiction can have profound effects on a person’s life and relationships, so it is critical to learn more about substance use disorders and chip away at the stigma and falsehoods that keep so many people away from the professional treatment they need and the compassion they deserve.
Do you or a loved one need addiction recovery services in Texas? Promises Brazos Valley offers a full range of residential and outpatient programs at our College Station treatment center. From gender-specific treatment to dual diagnosis treatment for those struggling with mental health and co-occurring addictions, we have what you need to reach your recovery goals. Contact our team online or call 979.426.0086 to learn more.
How Talking About Addiction Can Help
The purpose of National Recovery Month is to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction and get people talking about this chronic condition without fear of judgment. But what can talking about addiction do to help anyone struggling with a substance use disorder?
First, it helps to understand what happens when people do not or cannot talk about challenges with drug or alcohol abuse:
- If someone is going through a difficult time, their mental health can suffer. Without proper treatment, there is a chance they will turn to substances to self-medicate. By staying silent about their challenges, they instead engage in substance abuse to cope.
- Individuals who are afraid to let others know they have an addiction are less likely to get help. Instead, they suffer in silence and tell themselves they can quit whenever they want. Unfortunately, this is often not the case, and the addiction only grows stronger.
- People with addiction who are worried about the stigma are less likely to reach out for the support of others even when they do enroll in addiction treatment. This makes them more vulnerable to relapse, as support from both professionals and loved ones is an integral part of a healthy recovery.
Openly discussing addiction is crucial for challenging the stigma around this chronic condition and fostering a supportive environment for those in recovery. When people feel comfortable talking about mental health and addiction, they can seek the professional help they need. In some cases, these conversations can even prevent substance abuse or encourage individuals to seek help before addiction develops.
Ways to Observe National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month is the perfect opportunity to support those in recovery and promote awareness of addiction issues. If you are looking for inspiration on observing National Recovery Month, check out the ideas below.
Educate Yourself About Addiction
Whether you or someone else in your life is dealing with addiction, you will benefit from learning more about the disorder, recovery, and the available resources in your community. Education is one of the most powerful tools to help break down misconceptions about addiction and create a more supportive environment.
Attend or Organize an Event
Search online for local National Recovery Month events, such as walks, runs, or rallies, that raise awareness about addiction and celebrate recovery.
Support Recovery Organizations
If you have the resources, you can donate your time or money to allow recovery organizations to continue doing their fantastic work: helping people overcome addiction and move on to healthier, happier lives with their loved ones.
Spread the Word About Addiction Awareness
If you cannot attend an in-person event, you can still observe National Recovery Month by sharing information about addiction and recovery on social media platforms.
Call Brazos Valley to Enroll in Addiction Treatment
National Recovery Month is a great time to support those you love who are challenged with drug or alcohol abuse. But it is also a time to look within and see if you may need support for a substance use disorder. Contact Promises Brazos Valley online or call 979.426.0086 with questions or to schedule an intake assessment.