The National Recovery Month initiative is dedicated to raising awareness of substance use disorders, supporting recovery, and helping people live healthy lifestyles. This observance takes place each year in September and includes events in communities across the U.S. that promote education and support for people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. National Recovery Month raises awareness about addiction but also highlights the importance of treatment programs and support groups that help people achieve long-term health and wellness by overcoming their addictions. Learn more about your local addiction treatment programs in MA this September to see how they can support your recovery goals.
At Promises Washburn House, we take time each September to spread addiction recovery awareness to people and their loved ones. Knowing the signs of addiction, how it can affect a person, and how to find help are all crucial for ending substance use disorders and repairing relationships damaged by addiction. Call us today at 855.298.3104 to get the addiction recovery support you or someone close to you needs.
Spreading Addiction Recovery Awareness
If you or someone you love is using drugs or alcohol, you should learn to recognize when substance use has transitioned into addiction. You should also arm yourself with information about addiction, so you understand how it is impacting you or someone else. This helps you see the need for addiction recovery awareness to protect you and those close to you from this powerful disease.
Addiction affects both your physical and mental health. It can make you think about drugs and alcohol every day, even when you want to quit. This can lead to harmful behaviors like:
- Stealing money or substances from friends or family
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Engaging in risky sexual behavior
- Visiting more than one doctor to obtain multiple prescriptions
- Lying to your loved ones about your drug or alcohol use
If someone close to you is exhibiting some of the above behaviors, you may feel frustrated or angry with them. However, it is important to remember that addiction is a disease that changes how your brain works, making it harder to stop using drugs or alcohol. This is why using these substances with the belief that you will be able to stop whenever you want can be a slippery slope. Getting angry with the person or being confrontational usually backfires. Consult your local addiction treatment center if you need advice on how to talk to a loved one about addiction.
Observing National Recovery Month
One of the primary reasons National Recovery month was started was to spread addiction recovery awareness. Many people struggling with addiction do not seek professional help for several reasons:
- They fear the negative stigma surrounding addiction.
- They worry about losing their job if they admit to their addiction.
- They are afraid they will lose custody of their children if they undergo treatment.
- They use drugs or alcohol as self-medication and are not ready to face their problems without substances to help them escape.
- They are concerned about the cost of treatment.
- They do not believe they have a problem.
- They do not have reliable transportation to a treatment center.
National Recovery Month aims to increase addiction recovery support so everyone ready to get help can do so. If someone in your life is going through a tough time with drug or alcohol use, research your local treatment facilities and encourage them to go in for an assessment.
Find Addiction Recovery Support in MA at Promises Washburn House
It can be difficult to talk to someone about drug or alcohol use, but Promises Washburn House is here to support you. We offer a variety of evidence-based addiction treatment programs in Massachusetts. Reach out to us at 855.298.3104 to learn how we can help you or a loved one overcome addiction and move on to a healthy, sober lifestyle.