19th Annual Recovery Month
Get Involved and Celebrate Recovery

by Anne Luna, JD, MA

Statistics show that 22.5 million Americans were classified with substance dependence or abuse in the past year, and millions more live in households with people who abuse or have been dependent on alcohol and drugs. As many as 74 percent of Americans say addiction to alcohol has had some impact on them at some point in their lives, whether it was their own personal addiction, that of a friend or family member or another set of experiences.

In the face of these daunting numbers, it is refreshing to sit back, take stock and remember that positive change is happening in our communities. Recovery Month, held in September of each year, is just such a time.

Recovery Month efforts are an initiative of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. Since 1990, towns, counties and states across the United States have observed National Alcohol andDrug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month) in September. This year, the 19th annual Recovery Month recognizes the contributions of those working in prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery support services and promotes the fact that recovery from alcohol and drug addiction is possible.

This year also highlights the people for whom treatment and long-term recovery have given a renewed outlook on life. NAADAC is proud to take part in the theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Real People, Real Recovery,” to spread the word that addiction is a medical illness, that treatment is effective and recovery is possible. By getting involved, you can help more people on a path of recovery to lead more fulfilling lives.

Each of us knows someone with a substance use disorder whether they are family members, friends, colleagues or neighbors. Those of us who have struggled with these challenges have very compelling stories to tell and can have a powerful impact on helping others seek treatment. It is with this in mind that this year’s Recovery Month celebration highlights the unique histories and experiences of every person in long-term recovery.

NAADAC recognizes the importance of this celebration and is proud to include Addiction Professionals’ Day, September 20th, as one of the events to be celebrated around the nation. NAADAC is very proud to be a Recovery Month Planning Partner and looks forward supporting events across the nation. This year our some of our sponsored events include:

• Bismark, North Dakota (September 8) First Annual Walk For Recovery
• Montpelier, Vermont (September 9) Recovery Voices Count! Town Hall Meeting and Dinner
• Nenana, Alaska (September 12) 4th Annual Dancing in the Streets parade, dinner & dance
• Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (September 16-17) PRO-A 9th Annual Conference: A Vision For the Future
• Alexandria, Virginia (September 19) NAADAC Open House
• Birmingham, Alabama (September 20) Recovery Rally at Caldwell Park
• Hot Springs, Arkansas (September 20) Recovery Walk & Rally at the Hot Springs Greenway
• Seattle, Washington (September 27) Recovery Rocks Dinner and Dance

To see a list of other Recovery Month events, or to learn how to organize your own event, please visit www.naadac.org (click on upcoming events on the left menu). You can also contact your state affiliate to find out what is happening at the local level.

If you’re interested in organizing an event in your local community, it’s not too late! Just remember these simple rules that lead to success:

• Keep it simple
  Don’t try to initiate an event or program that is too difficult to pull of in the time you have. Don’t shoot for the moon, but aim for a modest success that you can build upon.
• Keep it local
  It is always nice to bring in a national speaker, but look at keeping it local. Are there local experts/allies who you can work with?
• Don’t be afraid to piggyback
  Are there events already going on in September? Would there be a place for you to get involved? Approach other groups that are already hosting meetings/events and ask if you can be a part of their celebration. Don’t start from scratch if you don’t need to.
• Success can be repeated
  If you don’t have an idea for an event, find out what took place in 2007. There will be people who can answer your questions and help you organize your own event.
• You Can Find Help
  If you’ve got a great idea, but don’t know where to start, we can help point you in the right direction. NAADAC’s has developed a Recovery Month Guide and SAMHSA’s Recovery Month Web site: www.recoverymonth.gov provides invaluable ideas and resources, including a Recovery Month Toolkit which can assist you in planning, launching, and publicizing Recovery Month activities and events.

Every celebration, no matter how large or small, makes an invaluable contribution to the recovery movement that is growing in our nation. We encourage you to be a part of it!

Anne Luna, JD, MA, serves as the Special Projects Associate for NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals. She serves as editor of the NAADAC News and facilitates internal and external communication and development. Contact her at 800.548.0497 ext 122 or anne@naadac.org.