Addiction affects millions of people every year, with 69 percent of Americans reporting that they know someone who struggles with alcohol or drugs. This year alone, more than 23 million people aged 12 or older are living with a substance use disorder, making it more common than coronary heart disease.
But treatment works and recovery is possible. That is the message behind National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, a celebration sponsored each September by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration/Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (SAMHSA/CSAT). Now in its 21st year as a national observance, Recovery Month is a time to recognize the strides made in substance abuse treatment and to educate the public that addiction is a treatable public health problem.
“It is important to continue educating the public about substance use disorders, while also supporting those already in recovery and encouraging others who are in need to seek treatment and begin their own path to recovery,” says SAMHSA through their Recovery Month website. “Striving to increase the general public’s awareness of the issues surrounding substance use disorders takes a conscious decision to actively work to negate the myths and eliminate the barriers that persist with addiction and recovery.”
Like other diseases, addiction can be overcome. By encouraging and publicizing the discussion of alcoholism and addiction, Recovery Month helps communities and family members support and encourage those with problems to get better. Educating the public about substance abuse reduces the stigma associated with addiction and treatment, and accurate knowledge of the disease helps people to understand the importance of supporting treatment programs, those who work within the treatment field, and those in need of treatment.
This year, Recovery Month is raising awareness about the increasing level of stress in society and the impact it has on addiction. Stress is an all too common issue for Americans, with an estimated 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians caused by stress-related problems. In 2008 nearly half of Americans reported that their stress level had increased over the past year, with as many as 30 percent rating their average stress level as extreme, according to the American Psychological Association.
Stress and other external circumstances can lead to the onset or relapse of addiction, particularly among specific groups who face stressful life situations, such as public safety officials, including the military, police, and fire personnel; people in the workforce; older adults; and families. That’s why the theme of this year’s Recovery Month, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Now More Than Ever!” highlights the increasing impact of stress in our society, focusing on the physical, emotional, social, and spiritual consequences that stress can have on individuals and their families.
Throughout Recovery Month, scores of community and media activities will take place to raise public awareness about stress and its powerful correlation with addiction. Fun runs organized by local treatment centers, School Awareness Days supported by local businesses, walk-a-thons, barbecues, auctions, forums and information fairs will be held across the country to provide support for individuals and their families in need of treatment, to celebrate those in recovery, and to honor organizations providing prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. In addition, SAMHSA will host nearly 100 community events throughout the country, as well as a national kick-off media event in Washington, D.C.
While stress may increase the vulnerability of some to turn to addictive substances for relief or to relapse, even after a prolonged abstinence, the following recommendations from SAMHSA can help reduce stress when incorporated into daily routines:
Simplify your life – Figure out which activities are really important in your life and manage the time you have allotted to them wisely. Learn to say “no” to activities that are not necessary.
Be prepared – Anticipate challenges that may arise at work or with your immediate family, learn to delegate, and, if necessary, allot extra time for projects so they are manageable and not overwhelming.
Live a healthy lifestyle – Exercise regularly to reduce tension and eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to increase energy and keep stress under control.
Keep open communication – let others know when you have trouble and ask for assistance.
For Recovery Month information and materials, visit www.recoverymonth.gov or call 1-800-662-HELP.