National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. This observance celebrates the millions of Americans who are in recovery from mental and substance use disorders, reminding us that treatment is effective and that people can and do recover. It also serves to help reduce the stigma and misconceptions that cloud public understanding of mental and substance use disorders, potentially discouraging others from seeking help.

To celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Recovery Month, IDHS/SUPR lit up the Chicago skyline in purple from September 4-7 to raise awareness about National Recovery Month.

The 2019 Recovery Month national theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger,” emphasizes the need to share resources and build networks across the country to support recovery. It reminds us that mental and substance use disorders affect us all, and that we are all part of the solution. The observance will highlight inspiring stories to help thousands of people from all walks of life find the path to hope, health, and personal growth.

The Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (IDHS/SUPR) is adopting the message “Recovery Belongs” to push back against stigma and promote the inclusion of recovery in communities and the continuum of healthcare services. IDHS/SUPR encourages organizations to spread the message that drug overdose death is preventable and recovery belongs. Please use #RecoveryBelongs when posting about Recovery events in your community to help raise awareness.

For more information and resources, please visit SAMHSA’s National Recovery Month page.

Anixter Center is here to help. If you would like more information about our Behavioral Health Services, please visit our Behavioral Health web page or call us at (773) 973-7900.