Every September, we come together to celebrate National Recovery Month — a time to honor the strength, courage, bravery, and resilience of individuals in recovery, and to uplift the voices of those still on their journey in finding recovery. It is also a time to recognize the power of community, connection, and support in helping people heal and flourish.
What Is National Recovery Month?
Established in 1989, National Recovery Month is an annual observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatments and recovery practices, celebrate the progress of people in recovery, and acknowledge the dedicated service providers who help make recovery a reality for many.
This month is about hope. It is about reminding people that recovery is not only possible — it is happening every day, in every community. It is about compassionately reminding that each individual deserves the chance to live a healthy, meaningful life, free from stigma.
How Can I Show Up for Recovery Month?
There is no one “right” way to honor Recovery Month. Whether you are in recovery yourself, supporting a loved one, or passionate about mental health and substance use recovery — your voice matters.
Here are a few compassionate, meaningful ways to get involved.
Educate Yourself and Others
- Learn about the different pathways to recovery. Recovery is not one-size-fits-all.
- Read or share stories of recovery that inspire hope and reduce stigma.
- Talk openly about mental health and substance use — conversation creates hope and connection while decreasing stigma.
Attend or Host an Event
- Participate in a local Recovery Month event like a walk, rally, or panel.
- Host a recovery-friendly gathering, event, or discussion group.
- Shine a light — literally or figuratively — by honoring lives in recovery with candles, art, or affirmations.
Support Someone in Recovery
- Reach out to someone you care about. A simple “I’m proud of you” goes a long way.
- Ask how you can be supportive without judgment or pressure.
- Remember that recovery is a journey — not a destination.
Advocate and Amplify
- Share Recovery Month posts on social media using hashtags like #RecoveryMonth or #RecoveryIsPossible.
- Advocate for policy changes that increase access to care, harm reduction, and housing.
- Volunteer or donate to organizations that support recovery in your community.
Recovery Resources You Can Access Today
If you are looking for tools, support, or ways to engage more deeply this Recovery Month, here are a few resources we encourage you to review.
- SAMHSA’s Recovery Month Website: www.recoverymonth.gov – National information, events, and educational resources.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for free, confidential support 24/7. An online chat is also available at chat.988lifeline.org.
- I Am Sober, Calm, or Meeting Guide: Examples of free apps to connect with yourself and your recovery.
- Recovery Ally Training: MACRO’s on-demand training that helps support individuals in learning ways to show up as a safe and compassionate ally to individuals in recovery.
- IWC’s Virtual Recovery Toolkit: Free downloadable worksheets, meeting guides, affirmations, and recovery-friendly activities.
- Recovery Journal and Activity Workbook: Guided Journaling, Activities, and Resources to Support Individuals in Recovery: A creative and supportive tool filled with affirmations, journaling pages, coloring pages, and recovery worksheets.
However You Show Up, You Belong Here
Recovery Month is not just about awareness — it is also about sense of belonging, hope, and connection. It is about seeing the humanity in each other, holding space for every part of the journey, and reminding ourselves and those around us that recovery is not only real — it is worth celebrating every step of the way.
So this September, let’s show up for recovery — with open hearts, listening ears, and unwavering support.
Because healing happens together.
Published August 4, 2025. By Katherine Melton, MPH, MCHES; Owner of Integrated Wellbeing Consulting. www.integratedwellbeingconsulting.org/.