September is Recovery Month – an annual observance to highlight the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, laud the contributions of treatment providers and promote the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible.
This year’s theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Together We Learn, Together We Heal,” emphasizes the need to use all available resources, in our communities and on the Internet, to educate about the disease and help those with substance use disorders, and those close to them, to get support.
Recovery Month also serves to educate the public on substance abuse as a national health crisis, that addiction is a treatable disease, and that recovery is possible. Recovery Month highlights the benefits of treatment for not only the affected individual, but for their family, friends, workplace, and society as a whole. Educating the public reduces the stigma associated with addiction and treatment. Accurate knowledge of the disease helps people to understand the importance of supporting treatment programs, those who work within the treatment field, and those in need of treatment. [For more information, visit www.recoverymonth.gov]
The New York State Bar Association’s Lawyer Assistance Committee and Program is hosting an-all day Peer Assistance Volunteer Training CLE program on Friday, September 11 [10:00 am – 4:00 pm]. Registration is $25, which includes materials and refreshments. Topics include Depression & Suicide, Substance Use Disorders, Motivational Interviewing, and Ethics. Contact Patricia Spataro, LAP Director at 800-255-0569 or pspataro@nysba.org to register.
If you’re particularly interested in lawyers’ recovery stories, the Trust has published a compilation, which you can access on line, or order hard copies.