Celebrating National Recovery Month
Addiction to drugs or alcohol can cause serious issues with your mental and physical health, as well as your finances, career, and relationships. Recovery from addiction is possible, with the help of a supportive network and a professional treatment program. During National Recovery Month 2021, take some time to learn more about addiction, recovery, and the options for help available to you.
Recovery is for Everyone
The theme of National Recovery Month 2021 is “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.” Recovery Month is celebrated in September and is now in its 32nd year. The month is designated for celebrating the gains made by people in recovery from their disease of addiction. Each September, Recovery Month promotes and supports evidence-based treatment and recovery practices that are focused on helping people like you move on to a healthier, more fulfilling life.
What Recovery Looks Like
When you have a chronic disease, you can take steps to manage your symptoms and improve your health and well-being. Addiction is a disease that you can recover from, with the appropriate guidance and help from those who know what you are going through and how best to treat you. In recovery from addiction, you can learn to live a self-directed life and can do what’s necessary to reach your full potential.
When you are in recovery, you will adopt a lifestyle that includes positive changes and values. You are not just learning how to live without drugs or alcohol. You are learning how to effectively handle your life every day, addressing your negative feelings, without those harmful substances. You will be able to manage your symptoms, deal with temptations that may arise, and move forward with a life that is productive and meaningful.
Addiction, Recovery, and National Recovery Month During COVID
Over the past year and a half, many people have struggled with the isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. That has resulted in a new addiction or a continued addiction without treatment for some. Often, the consequences are devastating.
Every state has reported an increase in overdose deaths and other issues during the pandemic. The drug epidemic appears to now be driven by illegal fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine, often in combination with each other. Prescription opioids and heroin are contributing significantly to the rates of overdoses, as they are increasingly mixed with illegal fentanyl, making them even more dangerous and deadly.
Deaths from drug overdoses reached a record high in 2020. During the 12 months of the year, ending in December, there were 93,331 overdose deaths. In 2019, that number was 72,151, according to data from the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the CDC. Opioids were involved in 74.7% of the overdose deaths. That number increased to 69,710 in 2020, from 50,963 the previous year.
While most states in the US saw similar upward trends, the highest increases in overdose deaths occurred in:
- Vermont, up 57.6%
- Kentucky, up 54%
- South Carolina, up 52%
- West Virginia, up almost 50%
- California, up 46%.
Taking an Active Role in Your Recovery
During National Recovery Month 2021, it is imperative to understand the seriously negative consequences of addiction and, in particular, overdose from the excessive use of drugs or alcohol. Opioids continue to be an issue in the US. Some people take prescription opioids to manage their pain, such as after an injury or surgery, and to manage the symptoms of chronic pain. Prescription opioids, even when they are consumed legally, can be addictive and dangerous.
Know that recovery is possible, for everyone. You can take an active role to move forward with your own recovery. Reach out to trusted family members and friends for support. Recognize that, when you have a substance use disorder it is a medical condition and not a moral failing.
Understand how to get the help you need and take action for yourself, to begin the process of overcoming an addiction that is so detrimental to your health and well-being.
Contact Recovery Without Walls for Help
At Recovery Without Walls, we provide you with confidential treatment for your addiction to drugs or alcohol. We start with comfortable, caring, physician-directed detoxification and then work with you on innovative pharmacological intervention and integration. As an evidence-based medical practice, we are focused on your comprehensive health and continuing recovery. Our professional staff provides individualized treatment, to address your specific needs in a whole-body approach. During COVID-19, we believe that early intervention can save lives and we urge you to contact us today for help.