Blog
Blog
Every September, people across the U.S. come together to observe National Recovery Month. It’s a time to spread awareness and support around mental health and substance use disorders, while also celebrating those who’ve found their way to recovery. This event, started by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) in 1989, is all about creating a positive and supportive atmosphere for anyone on the recovery journey. The theme for 2024 is “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” and this year’s activities aim to keep breaking down the stigma and highlighting that recovery is possible for all.
One of the most common ways people get involved during National Recovery Month is through community walks and runs. These events aren’t just about fitness; they’re a way to bring people together and raise awareness around addiction and mental health recovery. Whether it’s a Run for Recovery or a Walk to End Addiction, these events provide a platform for sharing stories and supporting one another.
In 2024, you’ll see both in-person and virtual options, making it easier for anyone, anywhere, to join in. Participants often wear custom t-shirts or carry signs with messages of hope, recovery milestones, or words of encouragement to spread positivity and solidarity.
Let’s face it, social events can be tricky when you’re in recovery, especially when alcohol or substances are typically part of the mix. That’s why many organizations are hosting sober social events throughout September. From Mocktail Mixers to sober BBQs and game nights, these gatherings create a fun and supportive environment where everyone can enjoy themselves without feeling pressured to drink.
In 2024, expect to see more events like sober tailgates and movie nights, giving people in recovery a chance to socialize in a safe space. These activities also help build a sense of community, showing that fun doesn’t have to include alcohol or substances.
Learning about addiction, recovery, and mental health is a big part of National Recovery Month. Throughout September, there will be tons of workshops and seminars aimed at educating individuals, families, and professionals. These events will cover everything from relapse prevention to self-care tips and holistic approaches to recovery.
Whether you’re attending in-person or online, these sessions give you a chance to hear from experts—therapists, recovery coaches, and people who have been through it all. You’ll also find plenty of panels with people sharing their recovery stories, offering a firsthand look at the challenges and victories that come with staying sober. It’s a great way to learn more and get practical advice for navigating the recovery journey.
Support groups are often the backbone of recovery. During National Recovery Month, many groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and SMART Recovery will hold special meetings focused on the theme of the month. These gatherings may feature guest speakers, discussions about overcoming obstacles in recovery, or celebrations of personal milestones.
These meetings offer a safe and supportive space where individuals can share their experiences, find encouragement, and remind themselves that they’re not alone in this journey.
Sometimes, words aren’t enough to express what we’re going through, which is why art and music therapy can be so helpful during recovery. In 2024, many communities will host art and music therapy workshops as part of National Recovery Month. These sessions give individuals the chance to explore their creative sides and express their emotions through painting, pottery, music creation, or even group drum circles.
Don’t worry if you’re not a professional artist or musician—these sessions are open to everyone, and they focus on the therapeutic benefits of creativity, not skill. It’s all about self-expression and healing through art and music.
Since virtual events became more popular, many organizations have embraced online recovery conferences as a way to reach more people. For National Recovery Month 2024, you can expect plenty of virtual recovery conferences where you can connect with others, listen to expert talks, and learn about the latest recovery strategies without ever leaving your home.
These conferences offer workshops on topics like addiction treatment, mental health strategies, and tips for supporting loved ones in recovery. They’re a great way to stay informed and feel connected to the broader recovery community, no matter where you are.
Social media has become a powerful tool for spreading messages of hope and recovery. During National Recovery Month, platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok will be buzzing with recovery stories, helpful resources, and messages of encouragement.
Look for hashtags like #RecoveryMonth2024 and #BreakingTheStigma to find posts from individuals, organizations, and even celebrities sharing their stories and supporting recovery. It’s an easy way to get involved by sharing your journey or encouraging others with words of hope. The more we talk about recovery, the more we can reduce the stigma around addiction.
One of the best ways to open up conversations around addiction and recovery is through storytelling. During National Recovery Month, many organizations host screenings of powerful documentaries that highlight the realities of addiction and the hope found in recovery.
After these screenings, you can often join panel discussions where experts, individuals in recovery, and mental health professionals answer questions and dig deeper into the topics covered in the films. Some popular documentaries you might see in 2024 include The Anonymous People, Recovery Boys, and Cracked Up.
Giving back is a big part of the recovery journey for many people. National Recovery Month encourages those in recovery, along with their families and friends, to get involved in service projects that benefit their communities.
In 2024, there will be opportunities to volunteer at food banks, help out with community clean-up projects, or participate in outreach programs aimed at supporting people who are still struggling with addiction. It’s a great way to give back, meet new people, and remind yourself that recovery is about more than just personal growth—it’s about helping others, too.
National Recovery Month 2024 is shaping up to be full of amazing activities that support individuals, families, and communities in the recovery process. Whether you’re joining a walk, attending a workshop, or taking part in a social media campaign, there are plenty of ways to get involved. Hansei Solutions believes that this month is a chance to celebrate the strength and resilience of the recovery community while spreading hope and reducing stigma.
Ready to focus on providing healthcare? Let us lighten your load.
We’re here to address your pain points and create growth opportunities for your organization. We’re passionate about what we do, and it shows in every interaction. Learn what makes us tick and schedule a demo today.