September is National Recovery Month. Established in 1989 by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA), National Recovery Month is dedicated to increasing public awareness about addiction and mental health. Whether you’re reading this in September, as National Recovery Month is being observed, or at a later date, these goals are crucial to the recovery community. Northstar Recovery Center is a leading addiction and mental health treatment provider in Massachusetts. With locations in West Springfield and Southborough, we are here to help individuals and families get effective, accessible care.
Why Does National Recovery Month Matter?
Why does National Recovery Month matter? In 2024, 16.8 percent of the United States population (8.4 million people) aged 12+ met the criteria for a substance use disorder. National Recovery Month makes a difference because it:
Promotes Effective Treatment
There are research-backed, life-saving treatments for substance use disorders and mental health conditions. And, new treatments for addiction and mental health are always emerging. One of the goals of National Recovery Month is to promote effective treatment and its components.
Emphasizes Support for Individuals and Loved Ones
The weekly theme for week three of 2025 National Recovery Month is community. This month emphasizes support for individuals and loved ones. The SAMHSA website provides links to support groups, a toolkit you can use to start important conversations about addiction, and other resources that help people with substance use disorders and those around them build their community.
Decreases Stigma
There are a lot of misconceptions about substance abuse. Unfortunately, stigma surrounding addiction, what it looks like, and who it impacts, can stop people from seeking treatment. National Recovery Month works to decrease stigma by sharing information that helps people understand the realities of substance abuse and recovery.
Celebrates Recovery
It is estimated that around 72.2 percent of people who have, at some point, considered themselves to have a substance abuse problem are now recovered. National Recovery Month celebrates recovery, providing hope to individuals and families affected by addiction.
Addiction and Mental Health Recovery Programs in Massachusetts
Northstar Recovery Center strives to make effective treatment accessible. Our substance abuse and mental health recovery programs in Massachusetts are here to help you or your loved one achieve lasting success.
Addiction Day Treatment Programs In Massachusetts
Our day treatment program in Massachusetts provides highly structured care for addiction on an outpatient basis. Clients in day treatment come to our centers from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM on weekdays (Monday through Friday) and from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturdays. This program is transformative, providing optimal access to evidence-based therapies and supportive activities.
Intensive Outpatient Program In Massachusetts
Our intensive outpatient program in Massachusetts is the next step down from our day treatment program in intensity. Clients in the intensive outpatient program (IOP) at Northstar Recovery attend three-hour-long sessions on treatment days. Depending on your needs, IOP can be a step down from or an alternative to day treatment. Multiple IOP schedules are available, including mornings, afternoons, and evenings.
Evening IOP In Massachusetts
Our evening IOP in Massachusetts meets from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM or 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM, depending on which Northstar Recovery location you attend. This schedule enables clients who cannot participate in treatment during the day due to work, childcare, or other responsibilities to receive the care they need.
Mental Health Treatment In Massachusetts
In addition to addiction treatment, Northstar Recovery Center is proud to deliver outpatient mental health treatment in Massachusetts. Our centers help people with anxiety, trauma, grief, mood disorders, and other mental health concerns.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment Center In Massachusetts
Dual-diagnosis treatment is strongly recommended for individuals with co-occurring disorders. As a dual-diagnosis treatment center in Massachusetts, Northstar Recovery provides integrated treatment that addresses substance abuse and co-occurring mental health concerns simultaneously.
Virtual Addiction Treatment In Massachusetts
We offer in-person, hybrid, and virtual addiction treatment in Massachusetts. Clients in our virtual treatment programs participate in therapy sessions entirely online, whereas those in hybrid treatment participate in a combination of online and in-person sessions.
Call Northstar Recovery Center for Top-Rated Massachusetts Addiction and Mental Health Treatment
September is National Recovery Month, but awareness matters all year. If you have or think that you might have a substance use or mental health condition, we’re here to help. Call Northstar Recovery Center for top-rated Massachusetts addiction and mental health treatment today at (833) 853-8153.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is National Recovery Month for?
National Recovery Month is dedicated to increasing awareness about substance use and mental health conditions, treatment, and recovery. Anyone can get involved in National Recovery Month. This could include seeking accurate information about addiction to reduce stigma, participating in your local recovery community, or spreading awareness online.
What month is Mental Health Awareness Month?
While September is National Recovery Month, Mental Health Awareness Month takes place in May of each year. Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed since it was established in 1949. Like National Recovery Month, Mental Health Awareness Month aims to increase awareness, decrease stigma, and help more people find support.
What are some examples of effective treatments for substance abuse recovery?
Effective treatments for substance abuse recovery can include but aren’t limited to behavioral therapies (like cognitive behavioral therapy), psychoeducation, motivational therapies, 12-step, and medication-assisted treatment. Individual, group, family, and couples therapy sessions can all provide benefits. Everyone’s journey to recovery is different. The experts at Northstar Recovery Center use a wide variety of evidence-based therapies and supportive treatments to help each unique client heal.
What is International Recovery Day?
International Recovery Day is a day dedicated to the celebration of individuals overcoming addiction across the globe. It is celebrated on September 30th of each year, the last day of National Recovery Month.
When is National Addiction Professionals Day?
National Addiction Professionals Day takes place during National Recovery Month on September 20th of each year. This day was established to commemorate the work of drug and alcohol addiction treatment professionals.
How many people have a mental illness?
In the United States, about one in five (or 22.8 percent of) adults meets the criteria for a mental health condition per year. Additionally, one in six (or 17 percent of) youth aged 6-17 experiences a mental health disorder each year.
