CMHC: "Recovery Is For Everyone" The Theme Of National Recovery Month

In 2019, 51.5 million people aged 18 or older had a mental illness during the year.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) - In 2019, 51.5 million people aged 18 or older (20.6% of adults) had a mental illness during the year, according to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, an annual survey released by the U. S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). For the same timeframe, 19.3 million people aged 18 or older had a substance use disorder in the past year, and 9.5 million adults in the same age group had both a substance use disorder and a mental illness in the past year.

September is National Recovery Month, and Community Mental Health Center, Inc., Lawrenceburg, joins mental health services providers in Indiana and nationwide in marking this important recognition of the accomplishments of people in recovery. The theme for this year is “Recovery Is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”

The website of Faces & Voices of Recovery reads, “Now in its 32nd year, Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. Each September, Recovery Month works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.”

Recovery Month serves as a reminder that hope is real for individuals battling the disease of addiction. Many lives are lost every day to substance use disorders and many more lives are impacted by the long-term effects on families and communities.

“We understand the challenges faced by individuals who are experiencing addiction and substance abuse. Our staff members work with patients every day, assisting them on the path to recovery,” said CMHC Executive Director Greg Duncan.

“Substance abuse and addiction affect our family members, our friends, and our neighbors. When we as a community recognize the damage that can be caused, we can act together to reduce the impact and create space to recover,” said Duncan.

The nationwide observance of National Recovery Month is sponsored by SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT), within the U. S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). National Recovery Month raises awareness of substance use and mental disorders, celebrates individuals in long-term recovery, and acknowledges the work of treatment and recovery services providers.

In CMHC’s service area alone (Dearborn, Franklin, Ohio, Ripley and Switzerland counties), the consequences of substance use disorders are evident, from deaths related to overdoses from opioid substances to hospitalizations resulting from chronic alcohol abuse. The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic may be a complicating factor for those in recovery from substance use disorders, as isolation from peers and other supports can increase potential for relapse. CMHC has mobilized to create opportunities for individuals to maintain treatment during the pandemic and has found that this has allowed for greater overall access to services.

It is essential to focus on the benefits of recovery, to every individual and every community involved. Often, mental illnesses co-occur with substance use disorders and one may cause or aggravate the other. Data from SAMHSA confirms that millions of adults report having these co-occurring disorders.

CMHC has been working to partner with other agencies and groups in its service area to meet the needs of individuals in the region and to help promote progress in the fight against substance use disorders.

“We have the privilege of partnering with 1 Voice to offer free Narcan at our Lawrenceburg offices in the Millhouse Market/Dearborn Plaza retail complex,” said Martin Justice, CMHC’s Director of Addiction Services. “Narcan can reverse the effects of an overdose, allowing an individual renewed hope for life.”

The good news is that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can recover. According to SAMHSA, two-thirds of Americans believe that treatment for mental health and substance use disorders can help people lead normal lives. Every year, CMHC provides services to thousands of residents in Southeastern Indiana.

CMHC offers programs for individuals who want to begin the recovery process. Treatment is available for individuals of all ages. To inquire about services at Community Mental Health Center, Inc., please contact CMHC’s South Region Outpatient Services Dearborn County office in Lawrenceburg at (812) 537-7375, or CMHC’s North Region Outpatient Services George Street office in Batesville at (812) 934-4210.

All CMHC services are provided without regard to race, religion, disability, gender, gender identity, color, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sexual orientation, political belief, status as a veteran, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law.