Are you fighting an addiction? Are you lending a hand to someone going through a drug problem? Or do you own a facility that helps people struggling with an increasingly common disease?

September is Recovery Month. The 2022 agenda brings tons of activities to help raise awareness about substance abuse, honor the effort of the people in recovery and recognize the incredible help of their families, friends, and health personnel that works their hearts out at treatment centers. 

What is Recovery Month?

Since 1989, September has been celebrated in the US as National Recovery Month. The purpose of this month is to educate Americans about the importance of behavioral health, raise awareness about the effectiveness of preventions and treatments, and recognize those who have succeeded in recovery. These are some of the resources and content you can expect to see throughout September:

• Recovery success stories
• Seminars and documentaries
• Information about prevention, treatment, and nationwide recovery programs

Recovery Month History and Purpose

In 1989, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Organization (SAMSHA) launched Recovery Month to increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery. For 33 years, many organizations have hosted special events and activities that allow people to share their recovery stories and promote a greater understanding of mental and substance use disorders.

The official color of National Recovery Month is purple, and it became so popular that it is now associated with every addiction awareness movement worldwide.

Other important addiction-related dates

• September 20: National Addiction Professionals Day is celebrated as part of National Recovery Month. NAADAC established this day to commemorate the work of addiction professionals.
• August 31st: International Overdose Awareness Day was established in 2001 to raise awareness of overdose and reduce the stigma of drug-related deaths.

What is the theme of recovery month in 2022? 

Last year’s theme, “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.” was so strong that the tagline has been adopted as a permanent theme for Recovery Month.

Why did the theme stick so much? Because celebrating recovery success means not only recognizing the effort of victims, but also the support of the community and the dedication of service providers who make recovery possible.

What happens during Recovery Month 2022?

Take note of the two most important events:

Recovery Month Kick Off

September 1st (virtual)
3 PM Eastern Time
With special guest Joseph Green
Register here

RECOVERY HAPPENS RALLY

September 7th
This in-person kickoff takes place every year in the California State Capitol. There are many ways you can participate in the event:

• Recovery Banner Contest: If you are part of a recovery treatment center, a recovery residence or a recovery community organization, you could create and bring a group banner representing recovery to participate in the contest.
• Recovery Walk: Walk the Capitol to raise awareness of recovery. Banner Contest participants will lead the walk.
• Get an exhibit table or be a sponsor: Would you like to be an ally in recovery? Owners of treatment centers or facilities can get an exhibitor booth or sponsor the event.

Check for more info here.

How can I get involved in Recovery Month?

If you are a person in recovery and would like to share your story, talk to people in your treatment center and let them know about it.

If you are a treatment facility, you can join events, such as the ones highlighted above or create your own. 

Here you can check the complete recovery month agenda.

Recovery Month is about letting people know that recovery is possible. People who suffer substance abuse should know that there is a better future for them, and people who are in the fight against addiction – or helping someone fight against it – deserve recognition.

At TruNovus we partner up with treatment centers and health facilities to manage their operations so they can focus on their clinical success. 

This month, we would especially like to honor these facilities and the professionals working with patients for the incredible work they are doing. Recovery is possible, in a great part, thanks to them.