To say that 2020 has been a crazy year would be the understatement of a lifetime! Like the rest of the globe, California has been affected by world events like no other. However, it has given us the opportunity to find the strength and persistence we didn’t even know we had. Since 1989, September has been known as National Recovery Month, and this year, it serves as a beacon.^[1] It is reminding us to stay positive, to look to our community for support, and remember that there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

What is National Recovery Month?

Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), September is a special period, known as Recovery Month. It has given us the opportunity to increase awareness and an understanding of mental and substance abuse disorders. It also gives us the chance to commemorate all of those who have or are seeking treatment.^[1]

Celebrating its 30th year, National Recovery Month has grown significantly from when it first began.

Founded in 1989, Recovery Month was known as Treatment Works! and applauded individuals working in the substance use treatment field.
In 1998, Treatment Works! grew into National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month and began celebrating those in recovery.
In 2011, the name changed once again to what we know it as now, National Recovery Month, and has expanded to include mental illness.

This has allowed others from across the country to join in on raising awareness, sharing personal stories of recovery, and reaching out to others who are in need of a helping hand.^[1]

Looking back on 2020

For many, if not all, 2020 has turned out a little differently than planned. Workdays have been adjusted, social lives altered, political issues raised, and human rights have been challenged. So let’s break down some of the biggest events of 2020 so far^[2]:

January 7th – The World Health Organization is made aware of COVID-19 and enters the US January 20th
January 16th – The impeachment for President Donald Trump begins
January 26th – Breaking the heart of millions, Kobe and Gigi Bryant pass away due to a helicopter crash
March 10th – Italy becomes the first Country to go on lockdown due to COVID-19 with Trump announcing it a national emergency on March 13th
May 25th – George Floyd was arrested and soon after died while in custody, sparking the beginning of the 2020 riots and protests^[3]

Looking Forward to Brighter Times

It has been a stressful year, to say the least! But that doesn’t mean you have to lose the sobriety you’ve worked so hard to achieve. If you find yourself struggling with your inner thoughts and battling urges that won’t seem to let up, remember these great tools to cope with stress during sobriety^[4]:

Take deep breaths
Think of things you’re grateful for
Get close to nature, such as going on a walk or hiking
Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling
Celebrate everything you’ve achieved so far

The road to sobriety may seem overwhelming at times and world events can increase your stress and make it harder to stay sober. It’s important to remember you are never alone and there are millions of people rooting for your success!

Ocean Hills Recovery is Here to Help, During National Recovery Month, and Always

We understand that 2020 has been a challenging year and some months may be harder to stay sober than others. At Ocean Hills Recovery, we are ready at a moment’s notice to provide the support and tools you need to stay strong through any event. We offer a multitude of programs to ensure your needs are met and will develop a personalized treatment program to give you the absolute best chances for success.

To hear more about the programs we offer, such as Alcohol Treatment, Drug Treatment, Dual Diagnosis, and 12- Step Treatment, and to receive a free consultation, please contact us. Reaching out for help is a great first step to recovery, and together, we’ll achieve so much more!

Sources:

[1] https://www.recoverymonth.gov/about-recovery-month

[2] https://www.insider.com/shocking-things-that-have-happened-this-year-100-days-2020-4#april-9-the-state-of-new-york-alone-has-the-highest-number-of-coronavirus-cases-than-any-country-in-the-world-26

[3] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_Floyd_protests

[4] https://www.workithealth.com/manage-stress-in-sobriety/

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does drug and alcohol rehab last?

The length of your stay at drug and alcohol rehab will vary for each person attending rehab and from treatment center to treatment center. Most inpatient programs are at least 30 days long; however, some programs may incorporate a shorter inpatient stay with a more extended outpatient stay. The best rehab centers will provide a more custom treatment plan for each person that takes into account the individual’s needs before determining the length of treatment. Ocean Hills Recovery offers a variety of options for addiction treatment. A typical stay at our inpatient drug and alcohol rehab programs last between 30 to 45 days.

Do I need inpatient or outpatient treatment?

Outpatient is an excellent option for people who are unable to take time away from work or their families while receiving addiction treatment. Inpatient treatment is an excellent option for people who can be away from their work or families for at least several weeks for treatment. We recommend that you contact a reliable treatment center, like Ocean Hills Recovery, for a complete assessment before you decide whether inpatient or outpatient treatment for addiction is best for you.

Should I get addiction treatment locally or away?

The answer to whether you should go away or stay local for addiction treatment is very individual. Many people need to get away from their everyday life for them to fully submerge themselves in their addiction recovery process. For these individuals, going to an out of state treatment center is the best option to be able to commit fully and concentrate on their recovery. For others, this is not an option because of work or family obligations.

What do I do if I don’t have insurance for drug rehab?

There are options for drug rehab, even if you don’t have insurance. When you decide to get help, the best thing to do is to find a treatment philosophy that you believe may help and contact them for assistance. Rehab professionals can help you determine if you have insurance coverage for addiction treatment, and what options are best for you. Many drug rehabs accept insurance but also have private pay, or financing options available. Contact our rehab admissions specialist today, and we can help you navigate insurance questions, payment options, and treatment plans.

How to find a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center?

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is a great place to start when you are looking for a drug and alcohol rehabilitation center. We recommend that you make a list of a few different centers to contact and speak with them to get a feel for their programs, therapies, and staff and find the center that you feel most comfortable with. Have a list of questions that you can ask each center to help you through the process. One of the most important questions to ask is if the rehab holds accreditation by CARF. Having a state license is no longer enough to ensure that a rehab center is reputable. If the rehab holds CARF accreditation, they have had to meet a more strict set of guidelines and procedures.

Do I need detox before addiction treatment?

Many people require detox to help manage withdrawal from alcohol and other drugs. There are several factors that we take into consideration to determine if you will need detox before addiction treatment. Our admissions professionals work with each person to obtain a thorough history of substance use and other medical conditions to help make the appropriate recommendations for care. You must give accurate information so that we can keep you as comfortable as possible if you are experiencing withdrawal symptoms. However, detox is only the first step in addiction recovery. For long-lasting addiction recovery, a person must deal with the underlying issues that lead to substance use in the first place. Contact us today for a confidential assessment.

September is National Recovery Month