Tennesseans Celebrate Recovery In September

National Recovery Month brings communities together to celebrate recovery for mental health and substance use issues

NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is joining with Tennesseans in communities across the state to celebrate National Recovery Month. Held every September, Recovery Month is a reminder that substance use treatment and mental health services are effective, people do recover, and can go on to live a healthy and rewarding life.

“Recovery Month is for celebrating the achievements made by people in recovery, just as we would celebrate someone’s improvement in a physical health condition like diabetes, asthma, and heart disease,” said E. Douglas Varney, Commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services. “Many people with mental health and substance use issues struggle for years in silence. Through effective treatment and support from friends and loved ones, they do recover and enjoy a more productive and enriching life.”

Based on 2014 data on publicly-funded treatment services compiled by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services:

•  20% of Tennesseans, or one in five, experienced some type of mental illness in the past year, and 224,000 experienced a serious mental illness.
• During this same period, 373,000 Tennessee adults abused alcohol or some type of illicit drug such as, heroin, cocaine, marijuana, or prescription drugs for a non-medical purpose.
• About 15,000 sought and were provided state-funded treatment.

 “I strongly encourage our citizens who are struggling with a mental health or substance use issue to seek treatment,” said Commissioner Varney. “There are providers and services across the state and programs to assist people who lack the ability to pay. We all have the potential to make a difference and spread the message that recovery is possible.”

In Tennessee, mental health and substance abuse services are available for adults and children along with peer support programs, self-help groups, and centers where individuals can go to learn more about recovery and get support.

Explore available resources by visiting the Tennessee Department of Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Services online.

There are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery. Since these successes often go unnoticed, Recovery Month provides a way for everyone to celebrate their accomplishments.

Now in its 26th year, Recovery Month shines a light on those who have reclaimed their lives, offers hope to those still struggling, and honors those providing treatment and recovery services, which make recovery possible.

Recovery Month is being celebrated in communities across Tennessee. CLICK HERE to locate an event near you.

View the Presidential Declaration.

The mission of the Tennessee Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services is to plan for and promote the availability of a comprehensive array of quality prevention, early intervention, treatment, habilitation and rehabilitation services and supports based on the needs and choices of individuals and families served.
For more information, visit www.tn.gov/behavioral-health.