Mon, 18 Sep 2023 11:06:00 -0400

September is National Recovery Month. The purpose of this month is 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."

Having a mental health or substance use disorder can be incredibly isolating despite how common these concerns are. Support for recovery is crucial, and you can find that support at UMBC. So often, we consume the harrowing tales of addiction, but rarely do we hear the stories of recovery. A study published in 2020 by the CDC and the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that "3 out of 4 people who experience addiction are in recovery." Mental health and substance use disorders are treatable. Having worked in the recovery field, I have witnessed the positive reality of recovery. I have also witnessed that seeking and accepting help can be hard. UMBC students are incredibly intelligent and tough and typically try to solve their own problems independently. A person in recovery needs community support, and there are many ways to access this. By embracing recovery, one can improve mental and physical health and form stronger relationships with friends, family, and classmates. Recovery is possible. Help is available. RIH celebrates that hope and honors Recovery Month. We urge all community members to join this celebration by reducing the stigma of mental health or substance use disorders and approaching someone considering or active in recovery with acceptance, support, and inclusion.

If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental health or substance use disorder, know that free and confidential help is available 24 hours a day through SAMHSA's National Helpline, 1-800-662-HELP (4357). RIH providers are also happy to support you with this concern. You can make an appointment by calling 410-455-2542 during business hours.