Countless tragic overdoses are on the news all the time. Something that isn’t discussed as often but should be is that people are recovering from substance use disorders and living fulfilling lives. According to a recent study, 22.35 million Americans are currently living in recovery.
Substance use disorders and mental health issues can often co-occur. In fact, around half of the people with substance use disorders also have a mental health condition. But there is hope. Of those with substance use disorders, mental health issues, or both, around 51% receive some form of treatment.
A way to celebrate the success stories is through National Recovery Month. Let’s look at how treatment helps you to maintain sobriety and some ways to celebrate Recovery Month with the people in your life.
How Treatment Leads To Long-term Recovery
Treatment can help address the problems at your core that are causing you to drink or use drugs in the first place. Trauma, for example, is a common issue that people find hard to deal with head-on.
Outpatient treatment and residential treatment both offer Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Highly trained therapists will work with you individually and in group settings to change thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that contribute to your alcohol and drug use.
Holistic therapies such as yoga or meditation can also help to train you to learn to be in the moment. When triggers or cravings arise, you can use one of these proven methods to slow your breathing and focus on it instead of the cravings. Finally, you can take these tools that you learn in treatment into the real world to help you maintain sobriety.
Ways To Celebrate Recovery Month
If you’re living in recovery or are just sober curious, Recovery Month can be fun for everyone to celebrate. Recovery Month began in 1989 and is during the month of September. The primary goal of honoring the month is to increase awareness, reduce stigma, and get your story of recovery out there to inspire change or hope in others. Some ways that you can celebrate Recovery Month include:
- Find an in-person or virtual event
- Host your own recovery event
- Share your story with others
- Spread education about addiction and recovery
- Reach out and share or promote on social media
SAMHSA offers a Recovery Month list of events. In addition, Faces and Voices of Recovery also has a Recovery Month website. You can get recovery clothing, upload your proclamation, or even join them to help advocate and spread recovery awareness to others.
Reach Out to Hemet Valley Recovery Center
Suppose you are in recovery and concerned about a relapse or need additional assistance. In that case, the HVRC is here to help. We provide various treatment options, including an outpatient treatment program, to keep you on the road to recovery.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder and wants to begin the recovery process, don’t hesitate to contact HVRC today. Let us help you live the life you deserve.
