The History of National Recovery Month: Then & Now

What is National Recovery Month?

As the season changes to fall, September marks National Recovery Month to honor those in recovery and help people struggling with active addiction. This month, we celebrate through events and activities taking place all over the country. Join us as we look back on how National Recovery Month began and how this month of observance sheds light on drug and alcohol substance use, treatment, and recovery.

History of National Recovery Month

In 1989, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) launched National Recovery Month to increase public awareness surrounding mental health and addiction recovery. SAMSHA wanted to provide those in recovery a time to honor and celebrate their success stories and to illustrate to those still dealing with a substance use disorder that living in recovery is possible.

This event is now observed every September to celebrate the strength of individuals in recovery and the dedication of the professionals who make recovery possible.

The goals of National Recovery Month include:

• Promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices that help individuals overcome substance use and mental health challenges.
• Recognize service providers and recovery community members who support individuals and families on their recovery journey.
• Celebrate recovery success stories, showing that people can and do recover.
• Highlight the importance of behavioral health as a key part of overall well-being.
• Reinforce that prevention and treatment work, inspiring hope and action across communities.

National Recovery Month Today

Since the late 90’s, deaths due to addiction have continued to increase. In Massachusetts, we have seen opioid overdose rates skyrocket to their highest level, with communities of color increasingly impacted.  There are many Americans whose lives have been affected by addiction and many who have seen their lives transformed through recovery.

Recovery Month brings together thousands of prevention, treatment, and recovery programs around the country to celebrate one another. Many organizations host special events and activities that allow people to share their progress and their recovery stories. National Recovery Month also helps foster greater understanding about mental health and substance use disorders.

The 2025 Recovery Month Theme

Each year, a new focus and theme are selected for National Recovery Month. The 2025 theme, “Recovery is REAL: Restoring Every Aspect of Life,” emphasizes that recovery is possible for everyone, regardless of the challenges they face. Everyone’s journey may be different, but we are all in this together. Recovery Month will continue to educate, provide insight on the effectiveness of treatment and recovery services, and make it known that recovery is possible for all.

If you are struggling with substance use and feel uncertain about where to turn, or are watching someone you care about struggle, we want you to know that there is hope, help and support out there for you and your loved one. Throughout the month, many peer recovery centers will host live and virtual events open to all. Be sure to check out local events in your neighborhood and explore what they have to offer. Never feel you are ever alone in your addiction and recovery journey, as recovery is for everyone.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, call the New England Recovery Center today at 1-877-MyRehab to speak with a member of our admissions team, or contact us here.