September is National Recovery Month

September 17, 2021

NEWTON, Kan. (September 17, 2021) – On Sept. 1, Governor Laura Kelly issued a state-wide proclamation in Kansas acknowledging September as National Recovery Month. The theme for this year’s National Recovery Month is “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”

For 32 years, National Recovery Month has been observed in September. This observance is held to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, recognize the strong and proud recovery community and honor service providers, as well as community members, across the U.S. who make recovery possible.  

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 20.4 million Americans, aged 12 or older, met criteria for a substance use disorder in 2019.  Those affected surpass 20.4 million individuals when considering families that include a loved one experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD). 

“In families with substance use disorders, there can be disruption in attachment and child development, impaired communication and socialization, emotional and financial instability and an environment of secrecy, loss, conflict and possibly neglect or abuse,” says Laura Sharp, LSCSW, LCAC, outpatient SUD services coordinator at Prairie View.

The National Recovery Month theme works to inspire people across the country to transform “I” into “we” and connect families, communities and groups. 

To help raise awareness and promote recovery, one should be aware of the indicators. 

“Signs can vary depending on the substance being used, but problematic substance use often includes irritability when asked about their substance use, disinterest in social or recreational activities, declining performance at school or work, inconsistent follow through on role obligations, desiring more privacy and/or drastic changes in relationships,” says Sharp.

For those whose substance use is interfering with personal wants and achievements, or those who have not had success in stopping, it may be time to seek help. Prairie View provides substance use assessments, referrals and outpatient substance use treatment, which includes individual and group therapy. 

For more information or to make an appointment, call Prairie View at 800-992-6292.

National recovery resources include:

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