National Recovery Month comes along every September, and with it arrives an opportunity to celebrate your teen’s accomplishments and gains over the past year. Whether your child has completely recovered from their addiction or they are still on the road to recovery, acknowledging milestones is important. The journey to addiction recovery is not always a straight line; occasionally there will be bumps along the way. Acknowledging the bumps and then continuing with treatment is necessary to achieve lasting recovery.
What is National Recovery Month?
Since 1989, National Recovery Month has been sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In 2020, National Recovery Month will be in its 31st year of celebration. It’s intended to applaud those who have made progress toward recovery and to raise awareness about those who are still suffering from a drug or alcohol addiction.
Use this month as an opportunity to show your teen that they can achieve the health they’re dreaming of. They can participate in events with recovered teens and others who have been where your teen is now. This will allow your child to see that there is hope.
How Can My Teen and I Celebrate National Recovery Month Together?
Whether your teen is sober or is still on the road to addiction recovery, this month is an important time for them to reflect on why they’ve been working so hard for sobriety. By serving as your teen’s support system, you’re able to give them the stability they need to stay strong.
The journey to addiction recovery has likely been a difficult one. Use the opportunity of the National Recovery Month to remind your teens of what it’s all been for. Share positive stories of others who have defeated their addictions to live healthy, happy lives. Some other ideas for celebrating the month with your teen include:
- Throw a celebration for your teen
- Attend an event in your town
- Plan an event together for your community
- Reach out to your government officials together
Depending on the stage of your child’s recovery, one or all of the above options may be great ways for them to celebrate this month. If no events are being planned in your community, look online for a virtual one, or consider planning one yourself. Ask your teen for their input on what the format of the event should look like: a question and answer, a town hall, or a panel discussion.
Your teen might also feel powerless in the face of everything they’re dealing with. Use this month to advocate for mental and substance abuse health in your community. Reach out to your local government officials with your child to discuss the struggles teens are facing.
Venture Academy Offers Treatment for Troubled Teens
If your child is still struggling with behavioural issues or substance abuse problems, don’t be afraid to seek out additional help. Venture Academy provides counseling and support services for males and females between the ages of 12 to 18. Our residential treatment programs offer an alternative to boot camps and boarding schools, which may not treat the root causes of substance abuse. We provide individualized development plans for each teen, working to improve their health and their family relationships at the same time. Trained staff can help your teen overcome their drug or alcohol addiction for life.
Venture Academy offers programs for the following:
- Behavioural treatment
- Drug and alcohol abuse
- Electronic addiction
- Academic struggles
If you know a troubled teen who needs additional support, or you’re simply interested in learning more about National Recovery Month, don’t hesitate to contact Venture Academy at 866.762.2211 today. We’ll start celebrating your recovery today.