Ways to Get Involved During National Recovery Month in Massachusetts |

National Recovery Month, sponsored and recognized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), was created with the mission to educate Americans that substance abuse treatment and mental health services can empower those with mental and substance use disorders to live a healthy and rewarding life.

Over the past 30 years, the recognition of recovery has been more than remembering the lives we have lost to these illnesses. It’s also about celebrating the gains that recovery brings.

By promoting new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, we are able to educate society on the science behind treatment and recovery. By sharing recovery stories and event involvement, we are given hope and inspiration for a better life, especially with those still seeking help.

We recognize that these illnesses are like many others. Heart disease, cancer, diabetes – we are all in recovery for something. This September, we encourage communities to educate and get involved. Through these efforts, we contribute to breaking the stigma of addiction and mental health illnesses.

The 2017 Massachusetts Mental Health National Outcome Measures (NOMS) reported that 62.9% of adults who received treatment felt positive about the outcome.
In this same report, 70.8% of adults reported improved social connections after treatment.
According to the 2015 SAMHSA Behavioral Health Barometer for Massachusetts, individuals aged 12 or older with illicit drug dependence or abuse, about 31,000 individuals (7.5%) per year from 2010 to 2014 received treatment for their illicit drug use within the year prior to being surveyed.