This September marks the 27th anniversary of National Recovery Month. The entire month raises awareness towards those who struggle with substance use disorder, as well as mental health awareness. Sponsored by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), this year’s theme concerns itself with the strengthening of families and communities, which has proven to be a key factor in the long-term success rate of those in recovery.
With this information in mind, I immediately thought of that word community. I then thought of how we at Oregon Trail Recovery stress that key component within our clients so much. We encourage them to reach out and become involved in the 12-step community.
It’s within these meetings that clients will find themselves the opportunity to engage in a sense of fellowship. Clients will also have the opportunity to forge life-long companionship. They’ll ingrain themselves in a community in which they will find long-term support. Furthermore, they’ll forge new identities, and begin to understand life in a completely different perspective.
National Recovery Month: Growing in Recovery
In my own recovery, I have found that one of the largest components that was severely lacking in my active addiction was a sense of belonging within a community.
The beauty of 12-Based Recovery is that it allows us to fight addiction with others who share common issues. Clients of Oregon Trail Recovery have a chance to reach such a connection with their sponsors and other members.
We have one of the strongest 12-Step Based Recovery communities in Portland, Oregon. Clients who join our addiction recovery programs from out of state have the clear benefit to be able to find a meeting and reach out to others in recovery. Much more simple than other western cities.
Community in Recovery
Furthermore, we have seen in more recent years that a sense of community has proven to be one of the most valuable tools. So, through the bonds the clients establish at our program, mixed with the bonds they establish from the local community around them in Portland, they are constantly discovering new avenues of support and strength for which they can be successful in their respective recoveries.
With this outlook on community as one of the most valuable tools in recovery, Oregon Trail Recovery is proud to honor National Recovery Month, in an effort to bring awareness to all who struggle with the griping ailment of addiction and to shine a beacon of hope, proving that we do recover and there is a better way. That better way can be found through a strong and loving community. Our sober living program embodies these ideals. We welcome all and want every member to be happy, joyous and free from addiction.
J. Dalton Williams
Media Specialist.
Oregon Trail Recovery, LLC.