Explore five meaningful methods to celebrate National Recovery Month by raising awareness and supporting the recovery community.
September is National Recovery Month—a time to honor the accomplishments of those in recovery, promote awareness of addiction, and advocate for accessible treatment. Whether you’re in recovery or simply want to show support, there are many ways to get involved.
What Is National Recovery Month?
Celebrated each September since 1989, National Recovery Month highlights the importance of mental health and substance use recovery. It honors individuals in recovery, recognizes healthcare professionals who support them, and educates the public about effective treatment options.
National Recovery Month recognizes three core groups:
- Individuals living with behavioral health or substance use disorders
- People working through their recovery journey
- Healthcare and support professionals in the recovery space
This month is also a chance for families and communities to reflect on how recovery impacts them. Sharing personal stories and milestones can foster deeper understanding and help reduce the stigma around addiction and mental health treatment.
5 Ways to Honor Recovery Month
Not sure how to get involved this September? Here are five impactful ways to support the recovery community:
1. Host an Addiction Recovery Awareness Event
Plan a gathering, meeting, or fundraiser that encourages participants to share their stories and recovery experiences. Hosting a community event can foster connection and spark meaningful dialogue around addiction and recovery.
2. Participate in Local Recovery Activities
Many communities organize events such as memorial walks, art shows, or educational panels. Attending these events is a powerful way to stand in solidarity with those in recovery and honor those we’ve lost to overdose.
3. Volunteer with Recovery Organizations
Support local nonprofits or peer support groups through your time, resources, or donations. Volunteering strengthens the network of recovery services available in your community.
4. Attend a Counseling Session Together
If someone you love is in treatment and feels comfortable, offer to join them at a group or individual counseling session. Your presence can offer support and help deepen your understanding of their journey.
5. Share Recovery Messages on Social Media
Use your platform to raise awareness. Share graphics, personal stories, or educational posts that highlight the meaning of National Recovery Month. Use hashtags like #RecoveryMonth or #VoicesOfRecovery to help spread the message.
Spreading Awareness During Recovery Month
September is the perfect time to educate yourself and others about addiction and recovery. Many people are unaware of what National Recovery Month represents or how recovery works.
Topics to Explore and Share:
- Causes and risk factors for substance use disorder
- The science behind addiction as a brain disease
- How relapse happens and how to prevent it
- The link between mental health and substance use
- Treatment approaches, including medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
By learning and sharing, you become an advocate for change—and part of the solution.
Supporting Loved Ones During Recovery Month
Recovery is a journey worth celebrating. Whether someone has completed treatment or is just getting started, recognizing progress—big or small—can boost motivation and resilience.
Try these supportive gestures:
- Celebrate milestones with a dinner or small gift
- Write a note acknowledging their effort and growth
- Encourage and attend recovery-related events together
Acknowledging these moments helps reinforce their progress and shows that you recognize the strength it takes to heal.
Addiction Recovery with BAART Programs
National Recovery Month is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible—and no one has to go it alone. At BAART Programs, we offer medication-assisted treatment and compassionate support to help individuals overcome opioid use disorder and build healthier futures.
If you or a loved one needs help, reach out today. Let’s work together to move forward—one step at a time.
