Today is International Recovery Day. Today serves as a special highlight within September, recognized as recovery month, to celebrate the strength and resilience of individuals on their journey toward recovery from substance use disorders and mental health challenges. International Recovery Day provides an opportunity to emphasize the importance of recovery and to address the stigma that often surrounds mental health and substance use disorders.

Recovery is not only possible, but it is a reality for millions. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) 7 in 10 adults who have experienced substance use disorders consider themselves to be in recovery, and 2 in 3 adults who have faced mental health challenges view themselves as recovering. These numbers underscore that recovery is not just possible, but it is common. Every day, people rebuild their lives, reestablish relationships, and create a future they are proud of.

Recovery benefits not only the individuals who experience it but impacts everyone around them. For individuals, recovery often leads to a reduced risk of overdose, improved well-being, and a more positive outlook, which aids in rebuilding relationships and achieving a fulfilling, stable life. For families, it can heal relationships, reduce stress, and create a supportive home environment. On a societal level, recovery reduces healthcare costs and lowers crime rates, which translates into healthier communities.

Despite the incredible success stories of recovery, stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders remains a significant barrier to recovery. Many individuals face judgment which can hinder their willingness to seek help. Stigma can negatively affect recovery outcomes, as individuals may internalize these societal views, leading to feelings of shame and isolation. Misconceptions that addiction is a moral failing or that recovery is out of reach can prevent individuals from taking the first step towards healing.

To break the stigma, it is important to recognize that recovery is a process of change. We must approach recovery with compassion, creating inclusive spaces that allow healing. We can start by revising the words and terms we use when discussing substance use disorders and people affected by them. We should adopt a “person-first” approach, emphasizing the individual rather than defining them by their condition. For example, instead of using terms like ‘substance abuse,’ ‘substance abuser,’ or ‘addicted baby,’ use ‘substance use disorder (SUD),’ ‘person with a SUD,’ or ‘babies exposed to opioids’. Explore our new resource on stigma here.

The message for recovery month is hope. No matter who you are or where you are in your journey, there are resources and people willing to help. Recovery is not only possible, but also happening all around us. Every step forward is victory, and every victory deserves to be celebrated.

If you would like to learn more or find resources, visit SAMSHA.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Stigma: Beyond the numbers. https://www.cdc.gov/stop-overdose/stigma-reduction/stigma-beyond-the-numbers.html

John Hopkins Medicine. (2024). Reducing the Stigma of Addiction. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/stigma-of-addiction/

Jahn, D. R., Leith, J., Muralidharan, A., Brown, C. H., Drapalski, A. L., Hack, S., & Lucksted, A. (2020). The influence of experiences of stigma on recovery: Mediating roles of internalized stigma, self-esteem, and self-efficacy. Psychiatric rehabilitation journal, 43(2), 97–105. https://doi.org/10.1037/prj0000377

Council of Economic Advisers. (2022). Reducing the economic burden of unmet mental health needs. The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov/cea/written-materials/2022/05/31/reducing-the-economic-burden-of-unmet-mental-health-needs/

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024). Families. https://www.samhsa.gov/families

Menninger Clinic. (2022). The effects of substance use on families. Psychology Today. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/mind-matters-from-menninger/202203/the-effects-of-substance-use-on-families

Volkow, N. (2022). Personalizing the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. American Journal of Psychiatry, 77(2), 113-116. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2019.19121284