September marks National Recovery Month, a national observance designed to cast light on the power of recovery from substance use and mental health disorders.
National Recovery Month was first established in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). While it began as a means of promoting recovery from substance addiction, it has evolved to encompass mental health recovery, as well. Today, we honor National Recovery Month with the intention of:
- Celebrating individuals in recovery, as well as the people and providers who support them
- Spreading awareness about substance use and mental health disorders
- Sharing real stories from individuals impacted by these conditions
- Reducing the stigma and opening up conversations around mental health
- Promoting the effectiveness of treatment and showing recovery is possible
The Importance of National Recovery Month
There has long been a certain silence, as well as stigma, around substance addiction and mental health disorders. The symptoms are not always obvious; many people suppress the signs and struggle alone, in fear of what others might think. Too many people are scared to ask for help when they need it, and as a result, they do not get the treatment they need. They do not get their chance at recovery.
Millions of people struggle with substance abuse and mental health; these conditions are all around us. According to new data from SAMHSA, in 2024, more than 48 million Americans (aged 12 and older) struggled with a substance use disorder. An estimated 14.6 million American adults faced a serious mental illness that same year, and another five million adolescents struggled with depression.
Only a fraction of these people get treatment, particularly when it comes to drug and alcohol abuse. SAMHSA reports that, in 2024, only 1 in 5 individuals (19 percent) with a substance use disorder received treatment. A larger fraction (between 60 and 70 percent) of Americans with serious mental health issues received treatment in some capacity, but millions remain untreated.
Why is there such a treatment gap? Often, it’s because a person is not ready to start treatment. Or, they don’t know how or where to find professional help. Sometimes, it’s because they think they can handle their condition on their own. Other times, it’s because they are scared of how they will be perceived. They may fear that receiving treatment will disrupt their job, academic standing, or even social life.
National Recovery Month helps to remove these barriers by showing that recovery is possible. There are many ways to get treatment, even when it feels out of reach, and many success stories from individuals who have walked in similar shoes.
The Importance of Treatment for Recovery
When mental illness and substance use disorders are left untreated, the symptoms tend to worsen. They become more severe, harder to manage, and increase the risk of crisis. Those who do not get treatment for substance abuse or mental illness might experience longer-term consequences like:
- Physical health conditions, such as organ damage (from substance use) or chronic disease
- Overdose or hospitalization
- Suicidal ideation or self-harm
- Inability to carry out day-to-day activities
- Strained relationships
- Struggles with academics, work, finances, and other aspects of life
- Relapse of drug and alcohol use
- Development of other, co-occurring mental health disorders
Due to the negative effects that substance abuse and mental illness can have, a person’s quality of life tends to get significantly lower over time without the proper support. Professional treatment can change this trajectory. With the right level of care, many of these risks can be reduced or even prevented, allowing people to build healthier, more fulfilling lives. Mental health disorders, including substance addiction, are very treatable and manageable. Recovery is possible with treatment and ongoing care.
Generally speaking, evidence-based treatment is recommended for individuals struggling with mental health and substance use disorders. Additionally, long-term treatment programs – with continuing care options – are highly recommended for those seeking long-term recovery. Long-term substance use and mental health treatment helps lay the groundwork for a healthy, independent life by giving people the skills and resources they need.
With long-term, evidence-based treatment, recovery is possible.
One WebMD article cites Brad Lander, PhD, a clinical psychologist and addiction medicine specialist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. He explains, “The greatest myth about addiction is that people ‘struggle’ with it their whole life, [but] 60% of all people entering treatment for addiction will eventually achieve sustained remission. This number is better than rates for other chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and asthma.”
At Turnbridge, 95% of clients who engage in a long-term treatment (270 days) program achieve at least one year of sobriety. The majority – 80% – go on to achieve two years of abstinence from drugs and alcohol after completion of our long-term program.
Recovery is REAL
National Recovery Month is all about celebrating the recovery process, showing that recovery is possible, and encouraging individuals to get the help that they need and deserve.
This year, National Recovery Month 2025 is all about Restoring Every Aspect of Life (REAL). Because let’s face it, recovery isn’t just about overcoming substance addiction or mental illness. It’s about setting the stage for lasting success and establishing a good foundation in one’s health, home, and community, among other aspects of their lives. It’s about helping them find their purpose and motivating them to reach their full potential. The best treatment programs will work on laying down these building blocks, teaching individuals how to live healthy, happy, independent lives long-term.
At Turnbridge, we’re consistently focused on setting our clients up for success. As a recognized substance use and mental health treatment provider in New England, we are dedicated to helping young men, young women, and teenagers develop the skills needed for a lasting recovery. It is our goal to help adolescents and young adults find the mechanisms they need to live happy, healthy, and rewarding lives.
If you or your loved one is in need of help, you are in the right place. You can explore our programs through the following links:
How Turnbridge Supports Recovery of Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
At Turnbridge, we believe that every client has the potential for long-term recovery. It is our job to help them develop the mentality, the determination, and the recovery tools they need to establish independent, meaningful lives. We believe that a successful recovery doesn’t end with abstinence from drugs or alcohol. At Turnbridge, we define recovery success as a person’s ability to:
- Self-manage the chronic nature of substance addiction
- Proactively manage their health, both physically and mentally
- Actively engage in a positive, productive lifestyle
- Set and achieve meaningful goals
- Restore and develop healthy, supportive relationships in recovery
This all, combined, can help those in recovery find a life of purpose, passion, and well-being, without drugs and alcohol holding them back.
This September, it is our goal to help those struggling recognize that recovery is in fact possible. Hundreds of our clients, and millions of Americans, are proof of this fact.
How can you help or get involved this September? In addition to honoring the strength and resilience of people in recovery, you can also play a part by:
- Supporting your loved ones in their recovery journey
- Helping a friend or family member find the treatment they need
- Engaging in therapy to improve your own mental health
- Share resources or voices of those in recovery, in efforts to help others find hope
- Spread awareness and educate others about mental health and substance abuse, in efforts to reduce the stigma
To learn about the treatment and recovery programs available at Turnbridge, or to learn about how you can spread awareness this National Recovery Month, please do not hesitate to call 877-581-1793.