National Recovery Month is held every September to educate Americans on substance use and mental health treatment services. With the proper support, individuals can recover and lead a normal, productive life. Recovery Month isn’t just a time to encourage treatment for substance use and mental health problems, but also a time to celebrate the achievements made by those in recovery. There are millions of people whose lives have been transformed through recovery, and these individuals bring hope to millions of individuals and their families.
In honor of National Recovery Month, here are five uplifting facts about substance use and mental health recovery.
1. Addiction is a treatable condition.
While there is no “cure” for addiction, this condition is treatable. Some people get discouraged because they hear that substance use disorders are lifelong conditions, but this doesn’t mean that the symptoms can’t be managed. Substance use disorders respond best to a combination of medication, behavioral therapies, counseling, family and peer support, and life skills. While you will always have to manage this disorder, you can successfully treat it and lead a normal life.
2. Millions of people have recovered from substance use problems.
For some individuals, substance use disorders are chronic mental health conditions that come with periods of relapse and remission. However, many individuals do go on to recover from the disorder when they receive the right support. Even those who relapse can get better, as a return to use simply means that more treatment and healing are needed.
It’s difficult to put a percentage on the number of people who have recovered, as few studies have examined those who have resolved a substance use problem. But, for the few studies that have been done on this matter, the evidence shows that tens of millions of U.S. adults have recovered. If you or a loved one is experiencing a substance use problem, know that with the right help on your side, you can fully recover from this condition.
3. Substance use recovery isn’t just about treating addiction; it’s about improving quality of life.
One of the wonderful things that comes out of addiction treatment is an improved quality of life. Many individuals who struggle with substance use also have underlying trauma or mental health problems. As a result, they’ve turned to drugs or alcohol to help them cope. Substance use recovery is a comprehensive journey that heals the mind, body, and spirit. This means that through treatment, you’ll not only address your substance use problems but also heal the deeper struggles you’ve been dealing with in your lifetime.
4. There are many different options for treating substance use disorders.
Not only are substance use disorders treatable but also there are many different ways to treat them. This makes it easier to find a solution that works for you based on your needs, goals, and challenges. Some of the most common types of treatment available are:
- Outpatient, intensive outpatient, partial hospitalization, and residential treatment programs
- Medications, including medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol use disorders
- Individual and group counseling
- Educational services
- Vocational services and life skills
- Mental health treatment
- Family services
- Holistic therapies like yoga and meditation
- Aftercare and continuing care
- Recovery support groups
- Sober housing
5. Many treatment centers accept private insurance or Medicaid.
Addiction treatment services can be expensive, but there are options out there to help you pay. Under the 2010 Affordable Care Act, insurance providers must cover all basic aspects of treatment. Here at Recovery Cove, we accept most major insurance plans such as Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem, Cigna, and United Healthcare. Other facilities accept Medicaid, which can provide free or low-cost treatment services. Additional options to help you cover the costs of rehab are SAMHSA grants, state and local government programs, private funding, and financing.
If you get anything out of National Recovery Month, it’s this: it is possible to recover from addiction and lead a normal, fulfilling life. People do it every day, and with the right support, you can too. To learn more about the outpatient programs available in Easton, PA, contact Recovery Cove today at 484-549-COVE.