September is National Recovery Month
September is the National Recovery Month for Substance Use. The highlight of this month is to recognize the importance of mental health and the possibility of recovery for many individuals. It is a time that is dedicated to reaching out to individuals who might need help, and recognizing the hard work of treatment providers.
Of all life-long cases of substance use disorders 75% of cases begin by 24 years of age.
Therefore, getting help to youth who are struggling with substance use disorder is key. Communities would benefit greatly from learning more about prevention and effective coping strategies at an earlier age. By providing more resources to people at a younger age, we would be able to catch a lot of substance use disorder cases earlier, resulting in a better prognosis for individuals in the long run.
Getting specialized treatment for your own needs is important.
Helping individuals get specialized treatment that is geared towards their individual needs is essential for people with substance use disorder. Substance misuse can have an effect on so many different aspects of an individual’s life that is it important to help them not only mentally but also with other aspects of their lives that have been affected; this includes their social, familial, and occupational lives.
Benefits of Treatment
When people receive treatment for drug and alcohol use disorders, there is a drop in the number of interpersonal conflicts, increased work productivity, decreases in homelessness, and an increase in employment. There is also an 80% decrease in criminal activity and a reduction in medical costs.
Treatment can be long term, but there is always hope.
Since many substance use disorders are chronic, the road of treatment can be long and very difficult. Relapses are common and scientific research has found that this is in part due to environmental cues that can trigger cravings, as our brains associate certain people, places, or objects with drug use. This is normal and therapies have been adjusting treatments to interfere with these triggers, so that patients do not relapse. As long as people stay in treatment and continue returning to treatment, they have a higher chance of staying in recovery and not
relapsing.
If you are struggling with substance use disorder or you know someone who might be struggling, please feel free to contact the professional team at Lifeline Connections for help! Getting yourself help, whether it is through self-help or by reaching out to professionals is an important part of recognizing that you are struggling; it is also a good step forward in getting the help you need and starting on the road to recovery. You can visit Lifelineconnections.org or call 360.397.8246 for more information.
