September is National Recovery Month! About 20 million Americans, or approximately 1 in 10, are in recovery from a substance use disorder.[1] This month is a time to celebrate our lives in recovery and show that it is possible, in whatever form it takes.
Everyone’s Recovery is Unique
There are many, many ways to recover from addiction, and each is valid. Some people go to a facility for treatment and then attend 12-step programs. Some go to therapy and integrate that with meditation, support networks, and service. Others use medication-assisted treatment along with therapy. Not only are there a huge number of things people can do for their recovery—there are many ways of combining them to create a recovery plan that works for you.
Sharing Experiences
Raising awareness about addiction is important, but it’s equally important to share stories of recovery. Before we get sober, many of us feel intimidated, don’t know how people make recovery work, and have negative conceptions about life in sobriety. Hearing stories of people thriving sober gives us examples for our own lives. Learning about how others cope with cravings, stress, or emotional pain in recovery helps us forge our own path.
Those of us who are sober know that each milestone is huge and something to be proud of. Life in recovery is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced, in the best way possible. It’s not that it’s never hard, but it’s so much more manageable. Being present with yourself and your emotions is difficult, but rewarding. Recovery Month is a time to celebrate this accomplishment—and give others hope that it’s possible for them, too.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you build a recovery program that works for you. To learn more, call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.
[1] https://www.recoveryanswers.org/research-post/1-in-10-americans-report-having-resolved-a-significant-substance-use-problem/