Celebrate National Recovery Month in September

Each September, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) recognizes National Recovery Month. It celebrates those in recovery and honors the work of private and public organizations that help people overcome addiction. National Recovery Month also highlights advances in treatment and community progress toward making recovery more accessible and effective. 

The 2026 themes for National Recovery Month are: Recovery Happens Together, Reducing Stigma Through Storytelling, Multiple Pathways to Recovery, and Youth and Family in Recovery for the Future. SAMHSA will present free webinars on each theme throughout the month.

Know the facts about addiction and recovery 

Drug and alcohol use is common across the country. While not everyone will become addicted, certain factors can increase risk. For example, studies show that if someone begins using drugs before age 15, they are 6.5 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder. Other facts include: 

• 1 in 10 people in the United States over the age of 12 have Alcohol Use Disorder. 
• More than half of people 12 and over have used illicit drugs. 
• More than 1 in 5 people with a drug disorder have an opioid disorder. Opioids are involved in more than 7 out of 10 overdose deaths. 
• Just over 1 in 5 people age 12 and over reported binge drinking in the past month. 
• More than 22 million Americans reported overcoming a substance use disorder, which is nearly 1 in 10 adults in the country. 

These numbers demonstrate that alcohol and drugs are prevalent, and many people become addicted. 

Using language to break the stigma

National Recovery Month also focuses on reducing the stigma around substance use disorder. There are still many old ideas and harmful views about addiction. One way we can break the stigma is by looking at the words we use. 

The National Institute on Drug Abuse encourages using person-first language (e.g. “person with a substance use disorder” instead of “addict”) and medical terms when possible (e.g. “being in recovery” or “abstinent from drugs” vs “clean”). Using respectful language shows compassion and understanding for someone living with addiction. 

Building understanding through awareness 

Science has helped us better understand how complex addiction is. Still, many think recovery is only about moral strength. The truth is that drugs and alcohol can “re-wire” how a brain works, and overcoming a substance use disorder often involves more than willpower alone. 

Addiction is a chronic disease, and relapse (returning to use) is common. However, relapse is not a moral failure, and it does not mean treatment was ineffective. Instead, it means that treatment needs to change. 

LifeWorks NW in the community

While we honor National Recovery Month throughout September, we’ll celebrate recovery with the greater Portland-area community on September 26 at the Oregon Recovers Walk for Recovery. The event aims to raise funds and build awareness of addiction recovery services and support. Join us and many other local organizations at 10 am at Shemanski Park for the big event!