Every September, National Recovery Month is observed to promote and celebrate those in recovery from substance use and mental health conditions. It aims to reduce the stigma associated with addiction, help increase awareness of the millions of people in recovery and empower those who are experiencing difficulties seeking help and access recovery support services that are available for them.

Recovery is possible and millions of people around us are proof of it. However, it is not an individual journey, it is a collective effort, with support from those in our environments. Our friends, family, and communities all play a huge role in making sure recovery is possible for us. Support can be in different ways but one barrier that stands in the way of people from seeking and feeling supported is stigma. The stigma around mental health issues in our society prevents people from reaching out for help. Mostly, people experiencing substance use or mental health issues are misunderstood, mistreated and judged. To help people through recovery, we must destigmatize our ideas surrounding the topic, by showing compassion, openly talking about mental health, practicing empathy, celebrating progress and creating a safer environment for people to fully recover in.

If someone you know or care about is on the path to recovery, here are some ways to be supportive:

  • Listen with empathy: While there are many ways one can support, sometimes the best thing someone in recovery needs is for you to be present and listen to them without trying to “fix” the situation. Create a space where they can feel comfortable to have open and nonjudgemental conversations.
  • Educate yourself: Taking time to learn about the recovery process, their challenges and resources they can use, is another way to show support. SAMHSA Program to Advance Recovery Knowledge (SPARK) provides trainings and resources that helps expand the delivery of recovery support services to different states and communities in the U.S.
  • Be mindful of triggers and respect boundaries: it isn’t always easy for everyone to talk about their recovery progress, ask them how you can best support them instead of assuming and forcing help on them. Also, be mindful of events or activities that can be a huge trigger for those in recovery, also making sure to not alienate them, be inclusive.
  • Celebrate their progress: Acknowledge their small wins and celebrate it like you would other personal and work achievements.
  • Encourage use of resources: Remind your coworkers that EAP and other resources are available for them. Here are some local resources available for anyone in recovery:
  • Support services from Hope House
  • SAMHSA’s helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • Capital District Recovery Center
  • Anddiction Care Center of Albany

Some nationwide resources include:

Recovery is a journey and together we can help create spaces where hope and healing thrive. If you or someone you know is in recovery and needs support, our counselors at Capital EAP are ready and available to help guide you on this journey. You can reach out to us at 518-465-3813 to connect with our intake team, who can help you set up an appointment.

By: Oreoluwa Afolabi, MHC Intern