September is “National Recovery Month,” a month dedicated to increasing public awareness of recovery from substance use. It’s also a month dedicated to increasing public awareness of recovery through information, and encouraging people to seek help. In our country, there exists a need for education, prevention, treatment, and recovery.
Substance use can range from misuse to dependence to addiction. Those individuals in treatment can learn new life skills and go on to continue living a healthy and productive life. In the United States there are more than 11,000 treatment facilities/offices/hospitals/agencies where rehabilitation, therapy/counseling, medications and other services are provided. Some substance use programs can take place in self-help groups, and some take place in jails or prisons.
Increasing available help for substance use can also cut medical costs, improve daily productivity, reduce child abuse, and decrease homelessness. Don’t wait for a DUI or a drunk-driving accident or illness or a death to get help. Empower yourself now. Decide now and with some urgency to seek assistance for substance use. Do it with the same urgency you would with any other health condition. Counseling and recovery services are available.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
• Try to avoid situations that might encourage substance use.
• Try to avoid people who might encourage substance use.
• Develop a stronger relationship with your children, if you are a parent.
• Keep a well-balanced life.
• Seek help for mental and emotional problems.
• Seek counseling for your relationships.
• Learn to deal with peer pressure.
• De-stress and relax.
• Increase your social support systems.
• Develop a daily life structure/routine.
Recovery means hope. Recovery provides the necessary tools and support in order to have a better future. Recovery helps people to overcome barriers and obstacles. Recovery can be fostered by the encouragement of peers, families, friends, co-workers, providers, health care workers, and others. And having “hope” is the beginning of any good recovery process.
