eNewsletter - September 2023
National Recovery Month: Show Your Support This September
By: Rasa Ruzgys LCPC, CADC | Clinical Therapist
Since 1989, National Recovery Month has been observed each September to promote new treatment and recovery practices for the nearly 26 million Americans struggling with substance use disorders and to support the nation’s proud recovery community.
In the years since its launch, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has worked to increase awareness of substance use disorders and Recovery Month. Through the use of timed initiatives, SAMHSA is a key player in encouraging individuals to begin and continue working toward recovery.
The importance of awareness. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drug overdose deaths have increased more than 500% in the last two decades. National Recovery Month is an opportunity for the healthcare community to help reduce overdoses by reaching people who may not realize they or a loved one are at risk and to provide resources that can lead to treatment and recovery. National Recovery Month also works to reduce the stigma related to addiction and increases support to not only the person in recovery, but their loved ones as well.
What you can do. If you have a patient who may benefit from learning more about substance abuse recovery and support, participation in SAMHSA-sponsored events during National Recovery Month is a great way to discover resources available near you. Resources that may be particularly helpful include:
Evidence-Based Treatment and Practices: Reference and share the CDC’s new infographic dedicated to the evolving health crisis of substance misuse and the prevention of drug overdoses. Learn more about their guiding principles and strategic priorities and how taking evidence-based action can ensure effective delivery of overdose prevention in various communities and populations.
Recovery Committees: The state of Illinois is home to many recovery committees. Traditional and non-traditional meeting options include groups such as Narcotics Anonymous, Alcoholics Anonymous, Marijuana Anonymous, SMART Recovery, Refuge Recovery, and AAA (Alcoholics Anonymous for agnostic or atheist individuals). Visit the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) to learn more.
Service Providers: Hundreds of service providers dedicate time to substance use treatment in Illinois. Services are often provided in stages, beginning with Early Intervention and moving through to Residential Rehabilitation. Outpatient treatment is an important aspect of these services and consists of diagnostic and clinical services ranging from 3-9+ hours a week. Activities include individual, group and family counseling, and may involve medication-assisted recovery support. Outpatient care is followed by withdrawal management and medical stabilization, and finally, residential rehabilitation. For more information on these services and treatment plans, visit the Illinois Department of Human Services.
Finding more support with Linden Oaks. Linden Oaks Behavioral Health is available to discuss treatment options for any level of behavioral healthcare, including assessment and treatment of substance use disorders. If you know someone who would benefit from talking with someone about treatment options related to substance use or another concern, please encourage them to contact our 24/7 Help Line at 630-305-5027 or complete our Behavioral Health Inquiry Form and one of our staff will contact them to assist.