National Recovery Month

Recovery Month provides an opportunity to recognize the progress made by those in recovery and raise awareness of substance abuse prevention and treatment. During this week’s Council meeting, the Council adopted a resolution recognizing September 2026 as National Recovery Month and encouraging residents and institutions across Boston to celebrate those taking steps toward recovery.

Since 1989, September has been recognized as National Recovery Month by recovery organizations to celebrate the positive steps made by those in recovery and spread awareness of evidence-based methods of substance abuse prevention and treatment. The resolution notes that millions of Americans have transformed their lives through recovery treatment, highlighting the importance of recognizing their progress and encouraging more individuals to take steps toward recovery.

The resolution also highlights progress and continued challenges in Boston. According to data from the Boston Public Health Commission, the City of Boston experienced a 29 percent decline in opioid-related deaths in 2025. At the same time, Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, and the South End each experienced disproportionately higher age-adjusted opioid-related death rates than the rest of the city between 2022 and 2025.

The Council encourages residents and institutions across Boston to celebrate those making steps toward recovery and spread awareness of resources available for substance abuse prevention and recovery.