It’s September – How Will You Observe National Recovery Month?
As National Recovery Month, September is an excellent time to celebrate your recovery efforts. The question, of course, is how you’ll observe those achievements.
National Recovery Month 101
National Recovery Month was established as a special time to recognize individuals’ hard earned sobriety and celebrate the successes that people have achieved on their journeys to being addiction-free. Beyond the individuals working to become sober, National Recovery Month also applauds all of the mental health programs and employees who work passionately to support individuals on their journeys to live long, happy, and healthy lives.
Naming September as National Recovery Month was also meant to help raise awareness about the recovery process and get friends and family members involved in positive, supportive ways.
Making the Most of Your Recovery
So, how will you participate in National Recovery Month? Below are a few ideas to get you started.
- Booze-less Brunch: Who says brunch has to be accompanied by bottomless Mimosas? Gather your friends at your favorite brunch spot and savor in the bottomless joy of each other’s company over a good meal. Follow up brunch with a beautiful stroll outside, and you’ve set yourself up for an amazing Sunday!
- Take a Hike: What better way is there to celebrate your sobriety than to work up a sweat? Get together a few friends who are up for an adventure and lace up your hiking shoes. Pick a new trail or an old favorite and enjoy some time in the sun to celebrate your healthy active lifestyle.
- Family Field Day: Addiction and recovery certainly affect the entire family, so why not get everyone involved in the celebration? Gather your kids and significant other and get outside for the day. Pack up a picnic and your favorite park games for a fun filled time together. Volleyball or corn hole anyone?
- Night at the Museum: Maybe the outdoors aren’t your thing or you feel like getting fancy for the evening. Grab your partner or a great friend for a night at a local museum and classy celebration. Many museums have special events throughout the year offering dinner and music while you tour the exhibits, so check the museum’s calendar ahead of time, if you want a truly magical evening.
- Game Night: This is a great one for college students, single friends, or families alike. Invite a fun group over to your place who will be up for being silly for the night. Turn off all your electronics and pull out your favorite classic board games for a night filled with laughter and fun.
- Beachside Bonfire: Find a local beach that allows fires and build a bonfire! Besides the company of good friends, there’s not much more than an awesome s’mores kit that you need to make this night a success!
- Parent Groups: Parenting is hard enough as it is without complicating it with addiction and recovery of a family member. Connect with other parents in recovery by visiting a local AA chapter and form your own parent support group. Hold your meetings in a local park so that the kids can come and play, too!
Additional Reading: National Recovery Month: Current Trends in Substance Use and Mental Health