The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration

National Recovery Month



September is Recovery Month National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month 2013


2012 Toolkit


This is the 2012 Recovery Month Toolkit. The 2013 toolkit will be available in early summer. Download the PDF version of the 2012 Toolkit (32MB)

 
 

For the 23rd year, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), is honored to sponsor National Recovery Month (Recovery Month). This long-standing observance celebrates the effectiveness of prevention, treatment, and recovery services and the reality of recovery for all individuals experiencing behavioral health issues. To promote ways to use the many behavioral health resources available during Recovery Month and beyond, SAMHSA has created this toolkit, which helps people recognize signs of mental and/or substance use disorders and assists organizers in planning and promoting Recovery Month events.

This year, Recovery Month continues to promote the critical message that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. Our theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: It’s Worth It,” emphasizes that while the road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and overcoming mental and/or substance use disorders are significant and valuable to individuals, families, and communities.

SAMHSA created the toolkit to educate people that those in recovery achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally, and contribute in positive ways to their communities. The toolkit assists in planning Recovery Month events and provides tools and educational materials to distribute in communities and during local events. It will help SAMHSA continue to inform audiences about the power of recovery.

The toolkit contains three separate sections and a special section showcasing real-life examples of people in recovery:

  • Media Outreach – Provides instructions to plan and promote Recovery Month activities and events, as well as templates to customize and send to local and online media outlets.
  • Targeted Outreach – Offers audience-specific information about the benefits of recovery, effectiveness of treatment, and tips to overcome challenges during the recovery process.
  • Resources – Provides resources to help plan and prepare for Recovery Month events, as well as tips to cultivate partnerships with other organizations.
  • Join the Voices for Recovery – Presents a snapshot of individuals who are on the road to recovery after struggling with mental and/or substance use disorders.

Your commitment to Recovery Month is essential to raising awareness about the importance of prevention, treatment, and recovery. We achieve our success through the support and participation of individuals, communities, and organizations and couldn’t do it without your help. SAMHSA is grateful for your continued hard work and dedication to making a difference in the lives of those affected by mental and/or substance use disorders.



  • Behavioral Health is Essential to Health
  • Prevention Works
  • Treatment is Effective
  • People Recover
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SAMHSA's mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America's communities.

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