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September is National Recovery Month

09/12/2017

The Bernalillo County Board of Commissioners hereby recognizes September 2017 as National Recovery Month and invites all residents, private institutions, businesses and schools to participate by increasing awareness and understanding of the challenges inherent in the recovery process.

Addressing the complex alcohol, drug and mental health treatment needs of children, youth, and families today is fundamental to the safe and healthy future of Bernalillo County.

More than 20 million Americans are living with substance use disorders; more than 90,000 Americans die from drugs and alcohol yearly; an estimated 28,000 Bernalillo County residents have a serious mental illness and 22,000 residents suffer from a substance use disorder. However, studies show that fewer than half of those suffering receive the treatment they need.

Similar to patients battling other chronic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, and asthma, 40 to 60 percent of people suffering from substance use disorders relapse from their plan of treatment. Recovery is thus a bumpy road with multiple obstacles that require patience, awareness, and responsive solution.

National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorders to live a healthy and rewarding life. Because many such successes often go unnoticed by the broader population, Recovery Month provides a vehicle for everyone to celebrate these accomplishments.

Local volunteers and organizations working on recovery issues have organized Albuquerque Celebrates Recovery, an annual event to be held on September 28, 2017, that provides an opportunity for residents in recovery to celebrate their accomplishments, educate the community about their struggle, and provide resources to individuals and families seeking information about solution-based paths to recovery.

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