September is National Recovery Month

The toll of addiction is tragically familiar to many American families.

But National Recovery Month, held each September, highlights the hope on the other side of substance use disorders: “life after addiction.”

National Recovery Month acknowledges the resilience and strength that recovery requires. Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections is the theme for 2020.

The monthlong observance reinforces how behavioral health is vital to one’s general health, helps eliminate the stigmas once associated with addiction and mental health disorders, and encourages celebrating accomplishments -- big and small.

The movement has also paved the way for substance-abuse prevention and treatment agencies such as Cape Assist to provide year-round treatment, support, and hope to residents so that they, too, can celebrate their victories and pursue healthy lives. Based in Cape May County, Cape Assist partners with local government officials and associations, accredited specialists, and law enforcement to proactively counsel, educate, and treat those who are vulnerable.

“National Recovery Month really emphasizes that there is life after addiction,” said Cape Assist Executive Director Katie Faldetta. “Living in recovery is a process, but it’s taking it day by day, and we’re here to provide any reinforcement needed to ensure success. Incremental changes over time add up and make an impact, essentially altering the course of someone’s life and enabling them to regain control. Most importantly, it gives people hope – hope for the future.”

Prevention helps, treatment works, and people can recover. “Sobriety is possible when you are determined, but you have to put in the hard work,” said Tina Colubriale, a proud graduate of Cape May County Drug Court, and clean for four years.

Addiction has become part of universal conversations because most people have been touched by it – either personally or by knowing someone who struggled.

American Addiction Centers cites that addiction is a “highly treatable disease,” but statistics show that many don’t receive the help they so desperately need. According to the most current National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) from 2018, approximately 20.3 million people over the age of 12 struggled with a substance use disorder. That same survey reported that 21.2 million people in that same age range needed treatment, but only 1.4 percent received any treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Center for Health Statistics, nearly 68,000 people reportedly died from overdoses in 2018. During the 12-month period ending in January 2020, the U.S. recorded more than 71,000 overdose deaths.

External factors such as unemployment often impact a person’s recovery. Living in a shore community, Cape May County residents face higher rates of unemployment during the winter months when seasonal businesses shut down. Cape Assist understands these struggles and provides additional support and resources in times of downturn.

Agencies like Cape Assist might receive more attention during National Recovery Month, but they offer encouragement and hope for those living in recovery throughout the year.

Learn more about the programs and services that Cape Assist offers at capeassist.org or by calling 609-522-5960.