Each September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, SAMHSA, sponsors National Recovery Month to celebrate people in recovery, laud the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promote the message that recovery in all its forms is possible.

And each year, Pavillon Treatment Center in Mill Spring observes the month with community outreach and articles about treatment and recovery.

This long-standing observance spreads the message that prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover from mental and/or substance use disorders.

“The observance also celebrates people in recovery and those who work in the behavioral health field and serves to educate Americans on the fact that addiction treatment and mental health services can enable those with a substance use or mental disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life,” said Anne Vance, CEO for Pavillon.

This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together on Pathways to Wellness,” emphasizes that there are many unique ways people can prevent behavioral health issues, seek treatment and sustain recovery. The theme also highlights the importance of mental, physical and emotional well-being, as well as the value of family, friends and community members throughout the recovery journey.

There are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery. These successes often go unnoticed by the broader population; therefore, Recovery Month provides a vehicle to celebrate these accomplishments.

– article submitted

by Valerie Hoffman