National Recovery Month has been observed every September since 1989. Its purpose is to educate the public on how treatment services can change lives for those with substance use and mental disorders and to recognize and honor those in recovery.
The theme for 2020 is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections,” focusing on the joy of victory and recognizing how the love and support of others have helped many achieve sobriety.
Events throughout Recovery Month strive to deepen the public’s understanding of substance use disorders and co-occurring disorders and to spread the word that treatment and recovery services make recovery achievable.
Faces & Voices of Recovery
In previous years, Recovery Month was organized by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). However, in June, SAMHSA announced its decision to step down from that role. To continue the observance, Faces & Voices of Recovery created a new Recovery Month website that provides information on Recovery Month events, as well as downloadable materials.
Faces & Voices of Recovery is an organization that seeks to mobilize the millions of people in recovery, along with families, friends, and allies, into strong community recovery networks. They work to “promote the right and resources to recover through advocacy, education and demonstrating the power and proof of long-term recovery.”
Recognizing the more than 23 million Americans in recovery from addiction, Faces & Voices of Recovery has created a global recovery advocacy movement, working to eliminate the stigma of addiction and to advocate for accessible recovery options.
Recovery Month 2020 Events and Materials
Faces & Voices of Recovery encourages all organizations and programs working to prevent, treat, and support the recovery of those with mental or substance use disorders to become involved with Recovery Month events.
Access the new Recovery Month website for information on events and resources, including downloadable graphics to create your own flyers or social media posts.
Share personal stories
- Personal stories are an important part of Recovery Month. Hearing how others overcame the seemingly insurmountable challenges of alcohol or drug addiction creates hope in those in active addiction and their loved ones and for those in recovery. Post your personal stories on social media or through blogs or articles.
Participate in a virtual run
- Due to COVID-19, Faces & Voices of Recovery has partnered with the Titan Event Company to offer a VIRTUAL 5k. Choose 1 mile, 5k, or 10k options, then run or walk anytime and anywhere between Sept. 1st through Sept. 21st. When finished, post your time on the virtual terminal.
Registration is $10 per person. Kids under 12 are free.
There are many other events throughout the month, including educational presentations, rallies, vigils, celebrations, and more. Find an upcoming event or post your own.
When you participate in National Recovery Month, you are joining others to raise awareness of recovery options, celebrate the gains made by those in recovery, and support those working to remove the stigma of addiction.
Turning Point of Tampa and National Recovery Month
For more information about Turning Point of Tampa and National Recovery Month, please watch our video featuring Turning Point’s Ashley Neal and Chris Nasuti.
Turning Point of Tampa has been offering Licensed Residential Treatment for Addiction, Eating Disorders and Dual Diagnosis in Tampa since 1987.