For those who don’t know…September is National Recovery Month. And what does that mean?
Year after year, National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month (Recovery Month, http://www.recoverymonth.gov) witness tremendous success and commitment from people and organizations across the country. For more than 20 years, the campaign has joined together millions of people to celebrate recovery and educate communities about addiction. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA, http://www.samhsa.gov) and its Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT, findtreatment.samhsa.gov) has created a toolkit to aid in planning your Recovery Month events and to provide the tools and educational materials to distribute in the community.
I don’t know a single person whose life hasn’t been affected in some way by individuals suffering from addiction. Some addiction is drug and alcohol-related, some are what we call “clean” addiction. It’s all the same to me. It’s all about covering up that “hole in my heart”.
I believe it is the responsibility of all people who know that treatment is an answer, and that sobriety and living a drug-free life is possible, to share that hope with others. For family members of those suffering, it’s especially important for us to share that there is hope for a future that is not controlled by someone’s abuse. And, it’s equally important for us to recognize that we can change our behavior patterns that are perpetuating the feelings of worthlessness, amongst ourselves and the substance abuser, that lead to abuse in all involved.
September 25th is the official day. Mark it. Celebrate it. Go out and participate in an event. Share the day with a family member.
Life is good! Recovery is possible.
Organizing the Recovery Community
http://www.recoverymonth.gov/
The Recovery Month Web sites aim to promote the societal benefits of alcohol and drug use disorder treatment, laud the contributions of treatment providers, and promote the message that recovery from alcohol and drug disorders in all its forms is possible.
http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Community-Events/2010/Broward-National-Recovery-Month-Celebration-1983.aspx
Harvesting The Voices of Recovery; An Autumn Family Festival FL – 23.8 miles from 33486
09/25/2010 2:00 PM – 09/25/2010 6:00 PM
Family Fall Festival- Games, Food, Speakers, Music, Contests- Michael Counes, Floridians for Recovery, will share information regarding advocacy movements throughout the nation and Dr. Barry Duncan, author, What’s Right With You? will share a strength-based, client-directed therapeutic approach to recovery. http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Community-Events/2010/Harvesting-The-Voices-of-Recovery%3b-An-Autumn-Family-Festival%e2%80%9d-1656.aspx
http://www.recoverymonth.gov/Community-Events/2010/Family-Fun-Day-1623.aspx
I believe EVERYONE should attend a 12 step meeting sometime in his/her life. And many of us, benefit from regular attendance. The principles are life-saving, even for those of us not struggling with substance and/or alcohol abuse issues.
But remember Karen Carpenter, whose food-related addiction contributed to her death. You don’t have to be addicted to drugs or alcohol to be impacted by addictions in a way that will negatively impact your life.
If you’re looking for just a little moral support during this difficult time, seek out my favorite supporter and author, Melody Beattie, http://www.melodybeattie.com.
So, find your way to being a wise, well woman with a little help from my friends. Reach out to find a friend when you are struggling.
And if you need a little personal support, or just want to reach out for any other reason, please contact me directly at nanette@wisewellwomen.com.
I’m sure, you are not alone.
Wishing you well–
Nanette Saylor