National Recovery Month is a 42-year-old national celebration recognizing all those who have achieved or are on their way to achieving recovery from illnesses, including and especially substance abuse. It is also a time for education regarding substance use, co-occurring disorders, and the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services.
The theme for 2021, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” could not be timelier, as Livengrin reaffirms our mission to remind people in recovery and those who support them that no one is alone in the journey to recovery.
Of course, we must acknowledge that for the past year and a half, together has looked a bit different. Since the start of the pandemic, substance use disorders have increased dramatically. as of June 2020, 13% of Americans reported starting or increasing substance use as a way of coping with stress or emotions related to COVID-19. Overdoses have also increased throughout 2020 and the beginning of 2021, with an 18% and growing increase in overdoses in more than 40 U.S. states, including Pennsylvania. Loneliness, boredom, stress, and mental health issues caused by the pandemic can all be triggers for increased substance use. If you have been struggling, let Recovery Month serve as a reminder that there is no shame in seeking help.
Depending on your comfort level, there are a few resources we can offer to start your journey to recovery.
The following hotline resources are also free, confidential, and available 24/7 :
- DrugAbuse.com hotline: (866) 959-6117
- Addiction Navigators on call 24/7 to help answer any questions related to drug abuse and support
- Al-Anon and Ala-teen hotline: 800-356-9996
- Counselors provide support to teens and adults who are negatively impacted by alcohol addiction.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): 1-800-662-4357
- English/Spanish speaking counselors provide referrals to treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based services.
- National Suicide Prevention: 1-800-273-8255
- Support to help those in crisis process their emotional distress and prevent suicide.
For those seeking more ongoing support, Livengrin offers remote meeting options at a variety of times to accommodate all schedules.
For those comfortable with being in-person, Livengrin offers many support events to bring those in search of recovery Together.
This Recovery Month, let us never stop educating others and advocating to bring people together. If you or a loved one in the Greater Philadelphia Region is struggling with drug abuse or addiction, Livengrin can help. Contact 215-638-5200 or info@livengrin.org.
