In 2012, 2.5 million people aged 12 or older received treatment for an illicit drug or alcohol use problem according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. People in recovery are all around us. They are our friends and co-workers, loved ones and neighbors.
September is National Recovery Month, an initiative sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, and the perfect time to lend a hand to those you know in recovery or urge those abusing alcohol or drugs to seek professional help. Patricia Sylve LPC-S, clinical director at the Greenhouse Treatment Center in North Texas, offers three easy tips to help others realize the promise of recovery.
Speak Up. Just like type II diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular disease, addiction is a chronic disease that is influenced by genetics and environmental conditions and behavior. Yet, there’s a stigma attached to addiction that separates it from other chronic diseases. Help destigmatize addiction by educating those around you about what addiction really is. Share with them the National Institute on Drug Abuse’s definition of addiction –
Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing brain disease that is characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use, despite harmful consequences. It is considered a brain disease because drugs change the brain—they change its structure and how it works.
Reach Out. This month, make a conscious effort to reach out to those you know in recovery and let them know how proud of them you are and remind them that you are there to support them. Take them out to lunch, invite them over for coffee or even send them a card. Recovery Month e-cards that can be personalized are available on the National Recover Month website, www.recoverymonth.org. If you know someone battling addiction, reach out to them and let them know addiction is treatable. Share with them local treatment and recovery resources and encourage them to seek help.
Be of Service. Volunteer at or help promote local National Recovery Month events (a listing of events can be found at www.recoverymonth.org) or donate your time, skills or dollars to area nonprofits that focus on addiction.
By following the tips above you can help those in recovery stay in recovery and help those battling addiction take the first step toward recovery.