Last Updated on August 31, 2025
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September of 2019 marks the 30th anniversary of National Recovery Month, a month-long observance designed to increase awareness about addiction, celebrate the successful recovery of millions of Americans, and improve access to addiction treatment programs. Even if you’re not in recovery, you can still participate in this annual observance and help others get the help they need to recover.
What is National Recovery Month?
National Recovery Month is a nationwide observance throughout September. It is sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and is designed to draw attention to substance use disorders and the many people who are in recovery. The 2019 theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Are Stronger.”1
During this month-long observance, people all over the U.S. are encouraged to share their personal stories of addiction and recovery on many different platforms. Though this is meant to be encouraging for those who have yet to overcome their addiction(s), it is also an important part of breaking the stigma that is associated with addiction. By talking publicly about addiction and other issues related to substance abuse, we can break down the barriers like shame and isolation that keep people from getting the help they need to recover.
Whether you’re in recovery yourself, you’re curious about sobriety, or you are a loved one of someone who is addicted or in recovery, National Recovery Month is a great opportunity to get involved and learn more about how to support people who are suffering from addiction.
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National Recovery Month: A Journey Through 2020–2025
2020 – “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections”
The 2020 theme focused on unity and the strength found in relationships—family, friends, peers—especially vital during a year marked by isolation and stress. It was a reminder that recovery isn’t done alone, but through connection and shared support
2021 – “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.”
Starting this year, the overarching theme became evergreen: “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.” It reflects that recovery touches us all—individually, collectively, and within the communities we belong to.
2022 – “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.”
In 2022, Recovery Month upheld the same theme, highlighting its strength in reinforcing inclusive support systems and holistic care. Each week of September aligned with the four pillars of recovery—health, home, purpose, and community—underscoring the layers of support people need to thrive.
2023 – “Hope is Real. Recovery is Real.”
This year offered a powerful affirmation: recovery is tangible and hope is alive. It brought forward personal stories of transformation and strengthened the message that no matter how hard the journey, recovery is both possible and real.
2024 – “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.”
The permanent theme continued to guide awareness and advocacy in 2024, reiterating the inclusive and collective nature of recovery. It remained central in social messaging and community events.
2025 – “Recovery is REAL (Restoring Every Aspect of Life)”
2025 introduced a new lens—Recovery is REAL, emphasizing the restoration of health, home, community, and purpose. The toolkit highlighted week-by-week themes to reflect each of these dimensions, providing content to support individuals in recovery and those supporting them.
How to Get Involved in National Recovery Month
SAMHSA created a Recovery Month toolkit that is available online and lists several different ways you can get involved in National Recovery Month
Share your story
Whether it’s at a local event, on your blog, or via your Instagram account, sharing your story is one of the best ways you can get involved in National Recovery Month. The more we spread the word about addiction and recovery, the more normalized it will be. Many people struggle with addiction but refuse to come out of the shadows because they are ashamed and afraid of how others will treat them if they know the truth. Sharing your personal story with addiction and recovery can provide affirmation that they are not alone and encourage them to make a change for the better.
Host or attend an event
SAMHSA lists many different Recovery Month events on its website, including organized community walks and rallies. You may also organize your own event if you prefer. All the necessary tools, tips, and resources, such as logos and marketing materials are available on the SAMHSA website, so the work involved in putting something together isn’t as intensive as it could be.
Write to your local government officials
You can also encourage your local representatives and government officials to commit to improving access to addiction treatment programs by asking them to sign proclamations in support of Recovery Month. Essentially, doing this asks them to sign a written statement affirming their commitment and intentions to increase awareness of substance use disorders by improving access to existing care for those who need it most. You can find a sample proclamation here if you need help getting started.
Connect with your community
You can also connect with other members of the faith-based community, schools, and the organized recovery community to share tools, tips, and resources related to addiction treatment and recovery. This may seem like a simple act, but doing so will continue the conversation about treatment needs and the real impact of substance use disorders in our country.
Share information with loved ones
If you have a friend who is suffering from addiction or a family member who is supporting an addicted loved one, sharing information about treatment or providing details about local recovery resources can show them that recovery is possible and help is available.
National Recovery Month is an important part of the nationwide recovery movement and is an essential tool to help end addiction stigma. If you or a loved one needs help overcoming addiction, don’t wait any longer. Call (512) 605-2955 to speak with an admissions representative at Nova Recovery Center today.
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Frequently Asked Questions About National Recovery Month and Addiction Recovery
What is National Recovery Month and why is it important?
National Recovery Month is observed every September (since 1989) to raise awareness about mental health and substance use disorder recovery, celebrate individuals in long‑term sobriety, and promote evidence‑based treatment and support. It shines a light on recovery resources, community support, and the dedication of providers
How has the theme of Recovery Month evolved since the 30th anniversary in 2019?
n 2019, the theme was “Join the Voices for Recovery: Invest in Health, Home, Purpose, and Community,” marking the 30th anniversary and introducing a new logo as a symbol of unity . From 2021 onward, the enduring theme became “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community,” reinforcing that recovery touches us all. In 2025, the focus broadened with “Recovery is REAL” — emphasizing restoration across Health, Home, Purpose, and Community
How can individuals and communities participate during Recovery Month?
You can participate through:
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Events and workshops like walks, seminars, or webinars on recovery, overdose response, or prevention.
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Social media campaigns—sharing personal stories and using toolkit materials helps reduce stigma and spread hope.
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Volunteering, attending local rallies, or sharing promotional materials and graphics from SAMHSA’s Recovery Month toolkit
Why is celebrating recovery milestones meaningful?
Celebrating milestones—like sobriety anniversaries or recovery coins—brings hope, validates progress, and builds a sense of belonging within the recovery community. These moments help highlight long‑term sobriety and strengthen ongoing recovery journeys.
Where can people find recovery support and resources?
Support comes in many forms:
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Toolkits: SAMHSA offers downloadable toolkits filled with shareable graphics and resources.
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Support groups: Options like SMART Recovery, LifeRing, AA, and other peer groups provide both in‑person and online meetings.
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Recovery coaching and sober companions: Peer-based support services—like recovery coaches or sober escorts—help prevent relapse and assist in integrating back into everyday life.
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Local treatments: Nova Recovery Center along with other outpatient and inpatient programs offer structured services tailored to individual needs.
How do recovery and mental health connect?
Recovery Month emphasizes the importance of recognizing the link between mental health and addiction—promoting comprehensive, whole-person care. This approach underscores that healing involves emotional, psychological, and social dimensions.
How can I support someone on their sobriety journey?
Showing up with empathy, active listening, and practical gestures can make a big difference. Encourage them to seek evidence-based treatment, participate in support groups, and celebrate milestones. Honest, nonjudgmental support—whether through volunteering or just being present—helps strengthen recovery.
Why is long-term sobriety possible, and what does it look like?
Recovery is a lifelong process, not a single event. For many, it involves navigating stages like pre-contemplation, action, maintenance, and accepting that setbacks—or even relapse—can be part of the process. Studies show that relapse is common (40‑60%) and doesn’t derail recovery—it’s a chance for growth when met with support. Recognizing recovery as a spectrum, not just abstinence, allows for more inclusive, life‑affirming approaches.
What are common recovery milestones and why do they matter?
Common milestones include sobriety chips (AA coins marking intervals like 30 days, 1 year, etc.) , journaling progress, or celebrating being clean or improving mental health. These moments symbolize meaningful progress—big or small—and reinforce motivation and community connection.
How can volunteers get involved in recovery events?
Organizations like Nova Recovery Center often host or partner with recovery events. You can participate by:
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Attending and supporting events like local gatherings, seminars, or recovery-focused celebrations.
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Volunteering at community outreach, education, or peer-support initiatives.
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Becoming a recovery coach or peer supporter, welcoming others with lived experience and empathy.
