Every September, Recovery Month is an opportunity for families and communities navigating substance use recovery to come together, honor progress, and strengthen bonds. This month serves as a reminder that recovery is a journey best traveled with support, understanding, and hope.
Why Celebrate Recovery Month?
- Recognize Achievements: Acknowledge milestones, both big and small, in the recovery journey.
- Strengthen Family Bonds: Foster open communication and trust within the family unit.
- Promote Healing: Create a safe space for sharing experiences and emotions.
- Inspire Hope: Show that recovery is possible and worth celebrating.
5 Ideas for Celebrating Recovery Month
1. Family Gratitude Circle
Gather as a family and take turns sharing things each person is grateful for in the recovery journey. This can include personal achievements, support received, or positive changes noticed.
2. Plan a Special Family Activity
Choose an activity everyone enjoys, such as a picnic, movie night, or nature walk. Focus on togetherness and making positive memories.
3. Write Letters of Encouragement
Encourage each family member to write a letter to themselves or to each other, expressing pride, encouragement, and hopes for the future.
4. Share a Meal
Prepare and enjoy a favorite meal together. Use this time to talk about the importance of support and celebrate the steps taken toward recovery.
5. Attend a Community Event
Look for local recovery month events, workshops, or support group gatherings. Connecting with others on similar journeys can provide inspiration and a sense of belonging.
Join us Saturday, September 13th, 12-4pm in Providence for free family-friendly fun at Rally4Recovery! There's also East Bay Rally4Recovery Saturday, September 27th, 12-3pm at Burr’s Hill Park, Water Street in Warren.
4 Tips for Families and Parents
- Practice Patience: Recovery is ongoing. Celebrate progress, not perfection.
- Communicate Openly: Encourage honest conversations about feelings, challenges, and successes.
- Seek Support: Utilize community resources, counseling, or support groups for additional guidance.
- Prioritize Self-Care: Demonstrate healthy coping strategies and self-care routines for the whole family. This is a practice which means it's a skill that can always be learned! De-stressing throughout the day (for example, even just a moment to breathe or take a quick walk or stretch) can make a difference, especially when managing or living with ongoing stressors. It can also help to personalize based on current needs.
Your Journey is Worth Celebrating
Recovery Month is a meaningful occasion for individuals and families in substance use recovery to honor their journey, reinforce connections, and look forward to a hopeful future. Every effort counts, and every day is a new opportunity for growth and healing.
Our statewide helpline (401-467-6855) offers families the opportunity to speak with family support partners who have personally experienced similar challenges. They not only provide informational support connecting families to resources, but also emotional support to parents who may feel overwhelmed by their current circumstances. Agencies can refer parents, but parents can also complete a self-referral. All services are free of charge.
