21 Sep September is National Recovery Month
September is National Recovery Month, designated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). The aim of the observance is to heighten awareness and understanding of mental illness and substance use disorders, and to celebrate those who recover.
National Recovery Month promotes the belief that mental health is vital to overall health and well being. It also helps spread the word that prevention and treatment work, and people can and do recover from mental illness and substance use.
National Recovery Month has been celebrated every September since 1989. For the observance, SAMHSA collaborates with nearly 250 Recovery Month Planning Partners who represent local, state and national organizations that are devoted to preventing and treating mental illness and substance use disorders, and to supporting long-term recovery. Each September hundreds of events take place in honor of National Recovery Month. They range from walks and rallies to online web chats and more, and all encourage audiences and attendees to support the continued need for prevention, treatment and recovery support services.
Also during National Recovery month and throughout the year SAMHSA encourages people to call their National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889 (TDD), where they provide 24-hour, free and confidential information about mental illness and substance use disorders in English and Spanish. They also can provide prevention, treatment and recovery referrals.