By MEAGAN RICO
Saline County Health Educator
National Recovery Month, observed every September, has become a cornerstone in promoting awareness, understanding, and support for those struggling with substance use disorders and mental health challenges. This annual observance plays a crucial role in public health by highlighting the importance of recovery and its impact on individuals, families, and communities.
In 1989, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) launched National Recovery Month to increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery. The initiative aimed to provide those in recovery a time to honor and celebrate their success stories while illustrating to those still dealing with substance use disorders that living in recovery is possible.
Over the years, National Recovery Month has grown in scope and significance. It has become a platform to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, recognize the work of service providers and recovery community members, and reinforce the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health.
The Impact on Public Health
Recovery Month's importance in public health cannot be overstated. It serves multiple crucial functions:
Raising Awareness: The observance educates the public about substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions, helping to reduce stigma and misconceptions.
Promoting Treatment: Recovery Month encourages those struggling to seek help by showcasing the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services.
Celebrating Success: It provides a platform to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery, much like we celebrate improvements in other health conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Fostering Community Support: Recovery Month brings together thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs nationwide, fostering a sense of community and shared purpose.
The Current Landscape
The need for Recovery Month has only grown more pressing over time. Since the late 1990s, deaths due to addiction have continued to increase. According to recent data, Kansas has experienced a concerning rise in drug-related overdose deaths. Particularly those involving opioids. In 2021, the Kansas Department of Health and Environment reported over 600 drug-related overdose deaths in the state. Approximately half of these fatalities were attributed to synthetic opioids like illicit fentanyl, highlighting the growing impact of this potent drug on public health in Kansas.
The rate of drug overdose deaths in Kansas has seen a dramatic increase in recent years, nearly tripling with the last few years. This alarming trend underscores the urgent need for enhanced prevention and intervention efforts across the state. To address this crisis, Kansas has implemented various initiatives, including the development of an Overdose Data Dashboard that provides detailed information on drug overdoses, including geographical distribution and demographic factors.
Additionally, the state offers resources such as the Kansas Substance Use Disorder Hotline, available 24/7, to support individuals struggling with substance use issues.
While Kansas has seen a significant increase in overdose deaths, it's important to note that this trend is not unique to the state. Nationally, the age adjusted rate of drug overdose deaths increased by 31% from 2019 to 2020, with adults ages 35-44 experiencing the highest rates.
However, amidst these challenges, Recovery Month stands as a beacon of hope. It reminds us that recovery is possible and that no one is ever alone in their journey. The current theme, "Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community," serves as a powerful reminder of the universality of the recovery experience.
Personal Stories of Transformation
The true power of Recovery Month lies in the personal stories of transformation it brings to light. Take Brandi Hanes, for instance, an American nurse who lost her 14-year-old son to suicide. This tragedy inspired her to become a Mental Health First Aider and pivot to becoming a special education teacher, working to create a more connected and supportive environment for children. Her story was highlighted by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing in support of Recovery month.
Or consider Desiree Pelletier, who went from being pregnant with twins and struggling with IV drug use to becoming the Program Director of a Recovery Home. Her journey from addiction to recovery and then to helping others is a testament to the transformative power of recovery support. Her story was highlighted by the Behavioral Health Network in support of Recovery month.
The Role of Community and Support Systems
Recovery Month emphasizes the critical role of support systems in fostering lasting change and in promoting recovery from substance use disorders and mental health conditions. Strong social networks, family support, and community resources are essential pillars that can significantly improve recovery outcomes and overall public health. By fostering understanding, reducing stigma, and providing accessible services, communities create environments where individuals feel empowered to seek help and maintain long-term recovery. This collective approach not only benefits those directly affected but also strengthens the fabric of society, leading to healthier, more resilient communities.
Looking Forward
As we continue to face public health challenges related to substance use and mental health, National Recovery Month remains more relevant than ever. It serves as a reminder that recovery is not just an individual journey but a collective effort that strengthens our communities and improves public health outcomes.
By continuing to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and build supportive environments for mental health and substance use recovery, we can work towards a future where recovery is accessible and achievable for everyone. As the Recovery Month tagline states, it's about "Every Person, Every Family, Every Community".