NATIONAL RECOVERY MONTH
Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life)
Montgomery, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) joins community partners around the state in commemorating National Recovery Month in September.
Observed annually, National Recovery Month celebrates the resilience of individuals in recovery, promotes awareness about substance use disorders, and recognizes the essential role that treatment and support services play in cultivating healthy communities.
This year’s theme – “Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life)” – highlights the importance of adopting a holistic approach to recovery that emphasizes all parts of an individual’s life.
“This year’s theme underscores that true healing includes restoring purpose, health and connections,” said ADMH Commissioner Kimberly Boswell. “Our department is committed to supporting every person in building a full, meaningful life in recovery.”
National Recovery Month holds personal significance for Julie Ball, who has been in recovery since 2019 and works as a peer coordinator. “I believe recovery is possible for anyone, and I aim to use my journey to inspire hope and guide others toward healthier, safe and stable lives,” she said.
For Stan Whitfield, the road to recovery began when he was serving time. “While in prison, being told when to sleep and eat, something changed,” he said. “I found out about the SAP (Alabama Department of Corrections Substance Abuse Program) program, where I could learn how to start my road to recovery while still incarcerated… That night, I got on my knees and prayed to Jesus, asking Him to change me, make me new and forgive me for my past transgressions.” After a four-week wait, Whitfield learned that he was among those admitted into SAP.
“A guard came in to read the names of inmates accepted into the SAP program, and the very last name he called was mine,” he said. “Jesus did His part, so it was my turn to keep my end of the deal by showing up and completing the program.”
Today, Whitfield is a helpline coordinator with R.O.S.S. (Recovery Organization of Support Specialists), a peer-led recovery program in Birmingham – a job that he said gives him a sense of purpose. “Now, I’m on the frontlines helping the unfortunate battle addiction and willing to help anyone get on their road to recovery,” he said.
Read Julie Ball’s and Stan Whitfield’s complete stories here.
As part of Recovery Month, recovery organizations and the Treatment and Recovery Committee of the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council, in partnership with community colleges are launching Recovery Is Here — a powerful statewide campaign mobilizing action, awareness, and support around substance use disorder (SUD). Get the full calendar of events and information at www.recoveryishere.info.
the ADMH Office of Substance Use Treatment Services will sponsor a September 10th Information Fair in Tuskegee, with no-cost Narcan kits and more than 20 substance use, recovery support partners. The event will begin at 10 a.m. at the Tuskegee Municipal Complex at 101 Fonville St.
Information shared throughout September will focus on vital aspects of treatment and recovery – building blocks that every individual needs to live a healthy, happy, independent life. For help, please call the 988 Lifeline or download the Connect Alabama app, a behavioral health finder that provides instant access to education and information, along with other services. Visit www.mh.alabama.gov for more information.