September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Activities across the nation celebrate people in recovery and the treatment providers who serve them. Ivette Torres is Director for Consumer Affairs at SAMHSA’s Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT). She oversees the team responsible for generating and disseminating substance abuse treatment information to SAMHSA constituents. She also develops national communication strategies and campaigns, including the observance of Recovery Month. She chats with the HRC’s Wendy Grace Evans to share her perspective on Recovery Month.

September is National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. Visit SAMHSA’s Recovery Month website to learn more about activities to highlight the societal benefits of substance abuse treatment, the contributions of treatment providers, and to promote the message that recovery from substance abuse in all its forms is possible.

Q: What is the purpose of Recovery Month?

Recovery month is the celebration of those in recovery. It is for those who have received treatment from addictions counselors and health care workers, for families, and for the work being accomplished on behalf of those who need to find recovery.

Q: Why is sharing stories an important part of recovery from drug and alcohol addiction?

I believe that the public and private testimonials given by individuals in recovery are crucial to show that treatment is effective and recovery is possible. By telling their stories people in recovery can heal. Telling stories also helps draw those who need help into recovery. If someone who is struggling sees another person rejoin the community in sobriety, it sends the message that recovery is possible. The person who is struggling can begin to see a path toward picking up the phone and calling for treatment.

Q: Could you share a story that illuminates the power of Recovery Month?

I have attended so many inspiring Recovery Month events. In Hartford, Connecticut, I witnessed thousands of individuals in recovery lining up to celebrate their accomplishments. It moved me to tears to watch people with months and years – some with over 30 years – of sobriety being recognized and congratulated. I have met mothers who regained their children and fathers who put their families back together. Everyone has a story of redemption or a story of recovering from a life headed toward complete disaster.  I am extremely moved every time I hear someone tell his or her story.  Recovery Month is about our shared humanity and the potential in all of us to overcome adversity and to succeed. Recovery Month events always fill me with emotion.

Q: What are some events planned for Recovery Month 2009?

InTheRooms.com, a social networking site for people in recovery, worked with Informed Families in Miami to organize the first ever South Florida Rally for Recovery. In New York, A&E Television Networks sponsored a walk that goes over the Brooklyn Bridge, with ten thousand people. Other important events include small dinners for families and people who just want to celebrate our brothers, sisters, mothers, and fathers in recovery.

To find a Recovery Month event near you, visit the official Recovery Month website Community Events section..