September is Recovery Month, and it’s time to celebrate! It doesn’t matter if you’ve been in recovery for one week or ten years. Right now, it’s time to recognize your strengths, everything you’ve been through, and the fact that you chose to find the path of healing.
History of Recovery Month
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), National Recovery Month began in 1989. This national observance is a way to “promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.”
During Recovery Month, SAMHSA aims to increase public awareness around mental health and addiction recovery. Initiatives and grant funding are often announced during this time to add to the celebration. Public and private treatment centers also host their own festivities to celebrate each and every individual in recovery.
Recovery Is Possible for Everyone
Recovery Month helps people understand that recovery is possible for each and every person. Addiction recovery can often feel like a lonely journey. During September, however, individuals can see that they’re not alone. A whole month dedicated to those in recovery can help people feel like their voices are actually heard.
A big goal of Recovery Month is to educate Americans on the benefits of addiction treatment and mental health services. Many people have a fear of recovery. September shines a light on what life could look like after taking that first big step towards the journey of healing.
A Note About Relapse
According to the Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine, recovery is “a process of personal growth with developmental milestones.” Each stage of recovery comes along with its own risk of relapse.
Relapse is a very real and extremely common part of anyone’s recovery journey. It’s important to remember that even if you have relapsed before, your journey is still worthy of celebration. Relapse does not ever mean failure. Continue moving forward and celebrating.
The Importance of Celebration
The energy of celebration is one of the highest emotional frequencies you can be in. The more you celebrate, the happier you will become. You will also open your eyes to everything in your life that should be celebrated, including each and every step in your recovery journey.
Struggling with mental health or addiction often comes along with a lot of unhappy emotions, including anger, sadness, and even self-loathing. When you start to open your eyes to every small victory, you can gain a more positive outlook and lift your spirits.
Personal Celebration During Recovery Month
September is a great time to reconnect with yourself and create your own personal celebration. Even though your journey may have many ups and downs, it’s important to see the big picture.
You have been through so much in life, but you’re still standing. Even choosing the path of healing is a gigantic cause for celebration. Remember that there is always light at the end of the tunnel.
Self-Care
During Recovery Month, you may choose to consciously focus on self-care. Each day, you can set aside some time just for yourself. The struggles of addiction and mental health can cause people to feel shame or guilt. Self-care will help you overcome those feelings and allow you to see how important you really are.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), even “small acts of self-care in your daily life can have a big impact.” Self-care can help you “manage stress, lower your risk of illness, and increase your energy.”
This month, you can make a commitment to yourself to choose whatever type of self-care resonates most with you. Exercise, journal time, meditation, and even time spent outdoors can all be excellent practices in self-care.
Celebrate With the Community
If you’re not in treatment, Recovery Month may be the perfect time to start. Many programs will hold their own celebrations in September. During Recovery Month, you can participate in sober activities and festivities that will help you re-discover the simple joys in life. Creating new routines and discovering new experiences can help you break free from old patterns that no longer serve you.
Recovery Month at The Guest House
At The Guest House, every month is a cause for celebration. Recovery Month, however, is a great opportunity to experience the support of clinicians and peers who truly understand your struggles. Our beautiful 52-acre estate is the perfect backdrop for celebrating your journey. You can reap the healing benefits of nature while focusing on your growth and expansion.
Recovery can often feel lonely, but at The Guest House, you will always have someone by your side whenever you need it. Recovery Month is an excellent time to meet your peers who have been through similar struggles. You are never alone here, and it is our mission to make you feel safe and secure.
Your Recovery Toolkit
The Guest House focuses on a combination of traditional and holistic therapies to give you a full spectrum of care. Each and every person’s recovery journey is unique, making individualized care crucial for long-term success. At The Guest House, we focus on healing the mind, body, and soul together as one. We encourage you to build your own recovery toolkit utilizing our wide variety of programs.
You may be interested in mind-body tools like meditation, yoga, or somatic therapy. You can also explore therapies in the great outdoors through our equine therapy or adventure therapy programs. No matter what your recovery journey may look like, you will re-discover the joys in life and a deep love for yourself at The Guest House.
Every September, people around the country come together to celebrate Recovery Month. It’s important to celebrate every step of your recovery journey and every small victory along the way. At The Guest House, we focus on bringing our community together through innovative programs and peer support. The journey of recovery is certainly not for the weak. We believe in celebrating every step you take as you learn to heal your mind, body, and soul together as one. Your recovery journey is uniquely your own. At The Guest House, you will find a wide variety of therapies to help you find long-term success. For more information, call us today at (855) 483-7800.