September is National Recovery Month

On Wednesday, the Council passed a resolution recognizing September as National Recovery Month. National Recovery Month, celebrated in September of each year since 1989, is a national awareness campaign designed to reduce stigma, increase access to treatment, and celebrate recovery stories of those struggling with substance use disorders. Councilor FitzGerald explained that we use this month to “recognize the hard work that has been done to get millions of people sober, the hard work ongoing, [...] and the future work to be done to help the many more that battle their individual demons each day.”

The city of Boston has grappled with the complex issue of substance use for years. Recent data indicates that the rate of overdose deaths in Boston continues to be alarmingly high, and is disproportionately impacting Boston’s Black residents, and those in Dorchester, Roxbury, and the South End. Increasing access to treatment, and addressing underlying factors that contribute to substance use, such as mental health and homelessness, are cornerstones in the search for effective solutions.

Councilor Murphy noted, “When you struggle in isolation it makes it even harder, so speaking it, and bringing it to this Council floor, and recognizing September as National Recovery Month, is what we need to do and what we need to continue to talk about. We have those in the open on Mass and Cass, but we also have so many struggling in their own homes or out of sight.”

Councilor Flynn highlighted council colleagues, the Mayor’s Office of Recovery Services, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders who support recovery efforts throughout the City.

This National Recovery Month, residents are encouraged to help spread awareness about the process of recovery, share resources for learning about and supporting those in recovery, and share the hopeful message that most people who get help do recover. For more information on recovery services in the City, visit the Office of Recovery Services.