Hemet Valley Recovery Center and Sage Retreat would like to use this opportunity to acknowledge the thousands of men and women dedicated to helping another find recovery at treatment centers, recovery centers, and meeting houses across the country. We would also like to take a moment to celebrate those who manage the symptoms of alcohol and substance use disorders by working a program of recovery. Making a daily commitment to lead a drug and alcohol-free life takes both diligence and constant dedication to adhering to the principles of the program and practice them in all of one’s affairs. Taking action to keep the disease at bay is worth being proud, and worth commendation; after all, not everyone finds him or herself able to commit to a different way of living, and such people are at risk of ultimately succumbing to their condition.
Of course, anyone can recover from mental illnesses like an addiction; but, making recovery a reality often depends heavily on seeking the assistance of addiction treatment services. Those who reach out for help find detoxing and laying a foundation for healing a much easier undertaking than going it alone—or “white knuckling” it as it is often called. Across the United States, there exists a vibrant community of men and women working together to keep their diseases in check; and, people in recovery typically owe much of their progress to working in accord with others who share congruent goals.
It is an unfortunate fact that in the 21st Century many individuals find themselves unable to seek assistance. The stigma of addiction and mental disease, while somewhat diminished compared to generations past, is still alive and as counterproductive as ever. The fear of being ostracized by one’s friends, family, and community keeps people from opening up about their struggle and deciding to give a new way of living a shot. It is for the above reasons that it is paramount that people in our society open their mind and cast aside the binding yoke of stigma once and for all.
National Recovery Month
The U.S. has long been in the grips of a polysubstance use epidemic, the news media never lets us forget, nor should they; Americans must bear witness to the preventable tragedy unfolding before us. With that in mind, while reminding average citizens of the dangers of substance use is vital, it is also salient to highlight the progress that individuals make every day working programs of recovery. If more people see that leading a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle is possible, they might find the strength to cast the guilt and shame of addiction aside long enough to pick up the phone and call for help.
Some of our readers are aware that it is National Recovery Month; a critically important time for anyone who’s been touched by addiction to playing a part in encouraging others to seek treatment. Naturally, Recovery Month is a multifaceted observation involving myriad public health agencies, treatment centers, and countless individuals in the program. Nearly one-thousand events are taking place throughout the country this September to increase awareness of the power of recovery. There is a high likelihood that some events are occurring in your community. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), the official sponsor of Recovery Month, writes:
“There are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery. Since these successes often go unnoticed by the broader population, Recovery Month provides a vehicle for everyone to celebrate these accomplishments. Each September, tens of thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs and facilities around the country celebrate Recovery Month. They speak about the gains made by those in recovery and share their success stories with their neighbors, friends, and colleagues. In doing so, everyone helps to increase awareness and furthers a greater understanding about the diseases of mental and substance use disorders.”
Support Is Available
Not everyone can attend an event, but such people can still be of assistance to others during Recovery Month. This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community,” provides a platform for people to share their story and progress made in recovery online. If you are interested in being a “voice for recovery,” please click here.
Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.
For those who are actively battling a mental or substance use disorder, or both, HVRC can help you start taking steps toward leading a healthy and rewarding life. We offer several addiction treatment programs tailored to the specific needs of our clients; please contact our highly trained admissions staff to answer any of your questions.
We provide the environment and pace conducive to the individual needs and abilities of adults.
