September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month

Have you heard or watched the show airing on A&E - Intervention? We were talking about it when a commercial aired showing a women stumbling all around, intoxicated. We do not watch the show and do not necessarily agree or condone televising a person's personal trials and tribulations. However, as long as even one person was helped from watching, then I am glad it is being broadcast.

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. This year's theme is "Join the Voices for Recovery-Saving Lives, Saving Dollars." What a great theme. It is true and it is honest. That is what recovery is all about.

What exactly is the mission of having a national alcohol and addiction recovery month? To promote the societal benefits of alcohol and drug use disorder treatment, praise and acknowledge the assistance of treatment providers, as well as promote the concept that recovery is possible, is doable.

Look at the cost of addiction-not just for yourself or someone you know, but for society as a whole. Addiction is not a solitary disorder. The benefit of supporting treatment; long and short term, family as well as individual, inpatient in addition to outpatient can benefit America's society.

Working in the field of substance abuse is chaotic, problematic, not financially rewarding at all, but one can make a difference, and sometimes that one difference is all that is needed. That can be reward enough, but lauds are still welcome.

All of those in the realm of substance abuse continue to expand their knowledge about recovery. They are busy as in this field a 9-5 job is a non-reality.

Ways to promote National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month- Give voice

Log onto www.recoverymonth.org and see what events are being sponsored in your state. Attend one if you are able. Bodies, even silent ones, can create a voice if enough people participate.

Are you in recovery? Share your story- use your voice.

Ways to promote National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month- Donations

Is there a shelter, a half way house, an inpatient treatment facility near you? Drop off items you were going to donate anyway. Clothes, shoes, books, winter coats are in demand items. Know of an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting place? Anonymously donate a can of coffee for the meetings. Leave a bus pass or two for those most in need.

Ways to promote National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month- Be supportive

Does your area need a 12- step meeting place? Search around. Ask your church if they would be willing to donate a room once a week. The more support that is offered, the better chance for long-term recovery.

Maybe A&E should have an Intervention marathon nightly in support of this month. I would watch. Would you?