September is National Recovery Month: Here are 9 Ways to Participate
About National Recovery Month
National Recovery Month is observed annually each September to educate the public on substance abuse, treatment, and mental health services, as well as celebrate the lives of those who have committed themselves to long-term recovery.
Recovery Month is in its 29th year. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), the 2018 theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose and Community” and it is focused on how “integrated care, community, purpose, and leadership contribute to effective treatments that sustain the recovery of persons with mental and substance use disorders.”1
2018 Recovery Month Events in Texas
If you or your loved ones’ lives have been affected by addiction in one way or another, and you’d like to participate in celebrating National Recovery Month, here are a few events and activities taking place in Texas this year.
Yoga for Recovery
Saturday, September 8, Austin, TX
This event for yogis is sponsored by PURE Yoga Texas and PURE Action and offers a fun and informative discussion on yoga and recovery. Designed to celebrate those in recovery and bring awareness to the benefits of yoga practice in addiction recovery, this event is open to all who are interested—yoga expert or not. You’ll also have the opportunity to take a 60 or 90-minute hot yoga class! Register online or visit www.pureyogatexas.com for more details.
Recovery Art Show
Saturday, September 8, Austin, TX
This art show hosted by Communities for Recovery will feature a variety of artistic demonstrations, including live music, spoken word, and visual media. Attendees will also get to hear people share their own personal stories of recovery and light refreshments will be served. People are also welcome to submit their own art for the show. Visit www.cforr.org for more information.
Rebound – The Chris Herren Story
Friday, September 14, Kerrville, TX
Former NBA basketball player and motivational speaker, Chris Herren, will share his story at Tivy High School on September 14. In 2004, Herren had more than 20 drug-related felonies on his record and was completely lost in a lifestyle of addiction, abusing heroin, painkillers, and crystal meth. After overdosing on heroin, crashing into a utility pole, and being declared dead for a full minute, Herren completed extensive rehabilitation programs to overcome his addiction. He has been sober since August 1, 2008. Celebrate National Recovery Month by listening to his inspiring personal story on addiction and recovery. Get more event details at www.recoverymonth.gov/events/.
Peer Recovery Festival
Saturday, September 15, Houston, TX
The Peer Recovery Festival is a special celebration to recognize people in recovery, friends, and allies. By attending this event in the Houston Heights, you can help promote peer recovery support, promote confident recovery, and create recovery opportunities. To find out more about this fun, inspiring, and encouraging festival, visit www.peerrecoveryfestival.com/festival.
Recover One: Film Premiere and Celebration
Tuesday, September 18, Dallas, TX
This community film premiere is a fundraiser to celebrate people who have committed their lives to recovery from drug and alcohol abuse, as well as mental health and wellness. The event will feature the official premiere of the film My Brother’s Keeper and a Recovery Month keynote address by APAA founder and CEO, Joe Powell. It will also feature a live performance by Journeyman Ink, a popular Dallas spoken word group. For more event details, check out www.mybrotherskeeperfilm.com.
Recovery Day in the Park
Saturday, September 29, Lufkin, TX
Recovery Day in the Park is a family event hosted by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council of Deep East Texas. It is an annual, free event and a designated time for the community to come together and celebrate individuals in recovery. Visit the Recovery Day in the Park Facebook page for more information.
Other Ways to Participate in National Recovery Month
Host your own event. If you, a family member, or your loved ones have been affected by addiction, you can host your own event within your home community, church, or neighborhood. Whether it’s a barbecue or a local movie premiere, your event can help raise awareness of addiction and recovery in your community.
Post on social media. Social media is a great outlet to share your own personal recovery story or to tell others how addiction has affected your life. If you feel comfortable sharing your story on social media, doing so is just one more way you can actively participate in National Recovery Month this year.
Take the time to talk to friends and loved ones. Addiction recovery isn’t always the easiest thing to talk about, but discussing these issues is a great way to increase awareness and reduce addiction stigma. If you have the opportunity this month, or in the future, talk to your friends and loved ones about your experience with addiction and why it’s important to continue the conversation with others.
If you would like more information about National Recovery Month or you’d like to find events near you, please visit www.recoverymonth.gov.
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