2017 National Recovery Month

These days, we often hear about the “problem” of addiction, but what is the “solution”?

National Recovery Month is recognized each September to draw awareness to the possibility of recovery from alcohol abuse, dependence or addiction to drugs and to celebrate the gains made by those in recovery.

What was once deemed a weakness or moral failure is now recognized as a leading major health issue that is prominent in every sector of our society. Addiction and alcohol or drug abuse is no longer a dark little secret kept in the back alleys of bad neighborhoods or underground streets of major cities. The problem with alcohol and drugs is now in our schools, our businesses, our doctors offices and our own living rooms.

We live in a collective denial as alcohol is displayed in every section of the grocery store, not just the ‘liquor section’. State legislatures are legalizing recreational marijuana and our collective society normalizes the less productive activities of those under the influence. All the while, dollars lost to diminished productivity soar into the billions.

National Recovery Month is meant be a beacon of hope to a solution. As people, and as a society, we don’t have to limp along numbing ourselves to the harsh realities of life. Abstinence, medication management, and moderation may all have a place in assisting those who prefer to live a more functional life in recovery from substances that ultimately impair and destroy their best purpose and their loved ones.

What is the solution?

While the solution needs to be universal, it all begins with our own life, our self, and our loved ones.

Prevention – Education is our strongest ally. Being aware of the potential for abuse and addiction of substances, including alcohol and marijuana, can help people make wiser choices about engaging in its use.

Treatment – Talk honestly with a trusted professional who will not judge or condemn. They can help to assess and determine the level of care that is needed. All of this can be done confidentially. Many people are “functioning” fine, but have a nagging sense from themselves or others that there may be a problem. For others, their lives have spun out of control and intervention is necessary.

Courses of Action:

Treatment can begin with individual counseling and possible self-help support (AA, NA, Smart Recovery, Refuge Recovery).

PHP – Partial Hospital Program where people attend classes and counseling at a program through the week, days or evenings.

IOP – Intensive Outpatient Program where people are involved in treatment all day but return home to sleep

Residential – A live in program that typically lasts 30 to 90 days

Sober Living – An extension program of residential where a person lives with others to establish new life patterns while remaining substance free.

Recovery – Taking steps to change life and live free from the pattern or substance of use. There is hope that living without the substance can offer a more fulfilling life that often exceeds expectations.

At Barrington Behavioral Health and Wellness, we have years of experience and personal stories to help people who are questioning or dealing with substances, their own or a loved ones. No matter where on the scale of addiction or abuse someone may be, we confidentially partner with you, and them, to begin on a course of awareness and change. We are here for you. Please don’t ever hesitate to reach out and call: 888-261-2178

Join Barrington Behavioral Health and Wellness and SAMHSA (Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration) in Celebrating the 27th Annual National Recovery Month. Each September National Recovery Month aims to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. For more information contact us at help@barringtonbhw.com or call: 888-261-2178