Recovery is for everyone - every person, every family, and every community. Every September, we set aside the month to recognize the long and difficult battle toward recovery from substance use disorder and behavioral health issues.
During Recovery Month, we:
- honor those who are bravely moving forward on their road to recovery;
- celebrate those who are making progress, holding them up as examples for us all;
- remember those whose struggle may have been too much;
- and thank the professionals, volunteers, care providers. and others who dedicate themselves to supporting those in need.
This month -- and every month -- the City of Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services (DBHIDS) wants all Philadelphians to know: You are not alone. We are here to help.
Recovery Is Possible
Addiction affects about 22 million Americans. What most people don’t realize is the chances for healing are excellent. It is not always easy, or fast, but it is most certainly possible.
Before, during and after addiction recovery it is normal to feel anxiety, depression and fear. What’s important to know is that support is available and there are proven methods to manage feelings and issues. Read the blog to discover four actions that can help.
What Does Recovery Mean to Me?
Recovery means keeping my promises. It means believing that I am a man of promise. It means learning to live a life full of promise.
There is joy to be had, that is an outcome, as long as I continue to expand on my efforts, supports, prayers and taking life one day at a time, just for today. I can have! I get to have! I will have! All that is promised to me because I am keeping my initial promise and not letting go.
Read this lived experience story of recovery.
Mental Health First Aid
If you suspect someone is struggling with addiction, Mental Health First Aid training can help.
Mental Health First Aid teaches you to recognize the signs and symptoms of substance and alcohol use disorder and how to respond using the MHFA Action Plan. Remember to have realistic expectations. Major behavior changes take time to achieve and often involve the person going through a number of stages. A conversation is the first step to opening the door to a road to recovery.
Mental Health First Aid training teaches how to have those conversations. Find out how to get trained for free.
