Recovery begins with support

September is National Recovery Month, an annual observance celebrating people recovering from substance-use and mental-health disorders while promoting treatment, prevention and community support. Here are three things to know:

1) Recovery Month celebrates progress

National Recovery Month recognizes people who are rebuilding their lives while managing substance-use or mental-health disorders. It promotes a central message: Behavioral-health conditions are treatable, and recovery is possible.

The observance also recognizes families, counselors, medical professionals, peer-support specialists and community organizations that help people pursue long-term recovery. Events held throughout September allow individuals to share their experiences and demonstrate that recovery is happening in communities across the country.

By making those stories more visible, Recovery Month seeks to replace shame and isolation with hope. It also encourages people who may be struggling to seek assistance without fear of being judged.

2) Recovery may take many forms

There is no single route to recovery. Depending on a person’s needs, it may involve counseling, medication, residential or outpatient treatment, peer-support groups, recovery housing, faith communities or assistance from family and friends.

Recovery is not always a straight path, and a setback does not mean that treatment has failed. The process often involves developing coping skills, building healthy relationships and creating stability in areas such as housing, employment and physical health.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration describes recovery as a process through which people improve their health and wellness, live self-directed lives and work toward reaching their full potential.

3) Finding local support systems

The Youth and Family Counseling Agency of Oyster Bay-East Norwich provides high quality mental health and social services, with a commitment to supporting community members struggling with a life criss, mental illness or substance abuse. To learn more about the YFCA, visit YFCA.org or call (516) 922-6867.

SAFE, Inc., or Substance Abuse Free Environment, is a certified substance-abuse prevention agency located in Glen Cove. It provides prevention and educational programming intended to reduce alcohol and drug use within the community. Although prevention and recovery are distinct, local education and early intervention can help connect people and families with support before problems become more severe. Information about SAFE and its programs is available at safeglencove.org. Those seeking confidential treatment referrals may also contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at (800) 662-HELP (4357) or visit FindTreatment.gov.