For decades, September has been acknowledged as National Recovery Month, a time to bring awareness to the possible pathways for addiction recovery and treatment. Maryvale honors this time and the Faces & Voices of Recovery team, who are hosting this observance. This month, we draw our attention to mental and substance use disorders, the complex factors contributing to these issues, and the victories of folks who have successfully recovered. The theme of National Recovery Month this year is around the universality of recovery. Addiction can affect anyone – so, too, recovery is for everyone: every person, every family, and every community.
Did you know that mental health problems and substance use disorders are often linked? In a recent report, it was estimated that about 20 million Americans battled a substance use disorder for either drugs or alcohol. Nearly half of these instances involved a co-occurring mental health problem. Addiction recovery is hugely challenging – it requires complete, unflinching commitment, a desire to recover, the support of family and friends, and in many cases, medical or mental health intervention. Fewer than 10% of Americans suffering from a substance user disorder receive the care that they need to recover and regain their lives fully.
Substance use can be highly damaging for young people, as well. Alcohol and drugs can affect how teens grow – notably, they can impair brain function. If drug abuse starts early, young people are more likely to bring health issues into adulthood, such as heart disease, high blood pressure, sleep disorders, and a significantly higher likelihood of being an addict. Parents who suspect that their children are abusing drugs should approach the topic with compassion, empathy, and calm – or seek to have a mediated conversation with a counselor or mental health professional.
The prevalence of substance abuse and addiction continues to astonish us, yet treatment and recovery are both achievable and possible. For many people, recovery is an ongoing process. Addicts or alcoholics who are years past the time when they abused substances may still seek the support of group counseling, friends who share in their recovery journey, and healthcare practitioners. There are tens of millions of Americans who are actively in recovery from addiction. National Recovery Month is as much a celebration of their transformation as it is a time to raise awareness about the dangers of addiction. Addiction is a harrowing, lonely experience for so many people. Recovery is all about realizing that no one needs to be alone in confronting substance abuse challenges. On the contrary – recovery is all about coming together in proud communities to share stories, gain confidence, and overcome obstacles.
If you or a loved one are coping with a substance use disorder, now is the time to seek help. In 2022, Maryvale will offer substance abuse and dual-diagnosis outpatient services for children. We look forward to offering evidence-based treatment services for young people and families who are dealing with addiction and those who have co-occurring mental health disorders. Keep an eye out on our expanded service offering and in the meantime, seek help through our Community-Based Services or by contacting the American Addiction Centers.
