Recovery Month 2020
Now in its 30th year, National Recovery Month is held every September to increase awareness and celebrate the successes of those in recovery. Recovery looks different for everyone – but one thing remains constant: it’s about all of us. Everyone has been touched by the opioid crisis in some way, whether you’re aware of it or not. Which means that we all can be part of the solution. National Recovery Month is held every September to increase awareness and celebrate the successes of those in recovery. This year, it starts with International Overdose Awareness Day on August 31.
Together we can support recovery for those who need it. Together we can encourage our loved ones to reach out for help.
Together we can create a network of resources and solutions that are accessible for all.
Because together we are stronger.
The Recovery Community
“Addiction is a disease that I’ve battled with since I was 13 years old and will continue to battle for the rest of my life. The difference is that, today, I know I don’t have to suffer anymore.” – Maya
Recovery cannot be done alone and sometimes just knowing that we are loved and unconditionally accepted can make a world of difference to someone’s process. In this special music video created with local performer Danami-Maurice Champion, the importance of love and support from others is highlighted. Because “love will set you free.”
Making of This Video
This behind-the-scenes look at Danami’s music video delves into the inspiration for the song and what it means to him.
In Her Own Words
Carlos and Tiffany fell in love at first sight. During her addiction with opioids, he remained her biggest supporter in recovery. A recovered alcoholic himself, Carlos knew the importance of being the supportive partner he needed to be for Tiffany.
Zhaagojitoon
For many members of the American Indian community, culture is a vital piece of the recovery process. We partnered with rapper Thomas X and other members of Red Lake Nation and the Leech Lake tribal community to create this video about the importance of culture in recovery from opioid abuse.
First Responders
Due to the life-threatening nature of opioid misuse and other substance abuse, first responders are often the first line of defense to intervene during these life and death scenarios. Police officers, firefighters and paramedics provide crisis interventions, whether it’s administering a life-saving medication such as naloxone or talking to someone in need of assistance.
In 2017, Minnesota hospitals treated over 2,000 people who suffered a nonfatal overdose. Also, in that year, the hospitalization rate for opioid use disorder was 304.3 patients per 100,000 Minnesotans.
“I am today my strongest version of myself, physically, spiritually and emotionally stronger than ever. I am a mother that would make my children proud. I have returned to the medical field along with an additional certification as a peer support specialist, with more to offer my patients than I ever have.” – Shannon
In His Words
Having lost his brother to opioid overdose, paramedic Nathan Koranda knows the stakes when he’s on the scene. Now he helps spread the message of how opioid misuse can affect anyone, anywhere and that we all can be part of the solution.
Recovery Resources
Hotlines and Helplines
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
Text 55753 to get support and information for your loved one struggling with substance abuse
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
1-800- 662-HELP (4357) or 1-800-487-4889 (TDD):
SAMHSA’s National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Online Resources
Opioid-Specific Recovery Resources
SAMHSA’s Opioid Overdose Prevention Toolkit (https://store.samhsa.gov/product/OpioidOverdose-Prevention-Toolkit/SMA18-4742): Offers strategies to healthcare providers, communities, and local governments for developing practices and policies to help prevent opioid-related overdoses and deaths.
Stop Overdose (http://stopoverdose.org/): Contains information for both professionals and non-professionals on opioid use disorders and overdose, including police-directed resources.
Get Smart About Drugs (https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov/): Provides information about substance use from the Drug Enforcement Administration for parents, educators, and caregivers.
A Primer on Opioids: The Critical Role of Health Education in Preventing Addiction and Saving Lives (https://www.sophe.org/resources/primeropioids-critical-role-health-educationpreventing-addiction-saving-lives/): The Society for Public Health Education’s fact sheet to promote understanding of the health education approach to the opioid epidemic.
Facing Addiction in America: The Surgeon General’s Spotlight on Opioids (https://addiction.surgeongeneral. gov/sites/default/files/Spotlight-onOpioids_09192018.pdf): Provides research, facts, and resources about the opioid epidemic and lists recommended actions to address it.
Narcotics Anonymous (https://www.na.org/): Lists resources for those experiencing substance use disorders; helps individuals find and join a local chapter.
General Recovery
Faces and Voices of Recovery (https://facesandvoicesofrecovery.org/): Serves as a leading national addiction recovery advocacy organization promoting policies that are grounded in science, compassion, and health.
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) (https://www.drugabuse.gov/): Offers tools and training materials for community, school, and family interventions and other substance use programming. Their “teen page” also provides information on how substances affect the brain and body in adolescence.
Young People in Recovery (http://youngpeopleinrecovery.org/): Provides training and networks to individuals, families, and communities to help them promote recovery and reach their full potential.
For First Responders
Get Naloxone Now (https://www.getnaloxonenow.org/): Contains interactive trainings on naloxone administration for professional first responders.
Harm Reduction Coalition (https://harmreduction.org/): Provides resources on naloxone distribution and partnering with law enforcement to advocate for individuals and communities affected by drugs.
National Institute on Drug Abuse’s Brief on Naloxone for Opioid Overdose (https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/naloxone-opioid-overdose-life-savingscience/naloxone-opioid-overdose-lifesaving-science): Includes information and resources for those who may use naloxone to combat opioid overdoses in their work.
National Training and Technical Assistance Center: Naloxone Toolkit (https://bjatta.bja.ojp.gov/tools/naloxone/): Offers information and resources for law enforcement agencies to establish a naloxone program.
Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Fentanyl Safety Recommendations for First Responders (https://www.whitehouse.gov/ondcp/keyissues/fentanyl/): Provides a fact sheet with evidence-based recommendations for first responders when they encounter fentanyl during their daily activities.