It honors those who have recovered for substance abuse, and the specialists who work with them.
Frederick, Md (KM) The Frederick County Health Department is observing September as National Recovery Month. Jay Hessler, the Department’s Assistant Director Behavioral Health, says this month honors those individual who have recovered from substance use problems with drugs and alcohol as well as the treatment specialists who worked with them. :”Everyone from treatment providers to people actively seeking recovery, to people who have successfully have attained recovery. It’s an opportunity for everyone in our community to come out and support those folks, and celebrate the wonderful achievements they’ve made,” he says.
Hessler notes that it’s not easy for individuals with substance use problems to recover. “One of the reasons to celebrate it is it is an achievement. It’s something that’s very difficult. It can encompass and touch multiple aspects of your life,” he said.
The observance of September as National Recovery Month has been around since 1989.
Hessler says over the years, the Frederick County Community has been very supportive of those who are tying to get off addictive substances, and not relapse. “We’re doing better in being in the language we use to avoid stigmatizing terms. The more we use stigmatizing language, the more it drives folks that are using substances to isolate themselves. We know that’s not good for recovery. Connection is good for recovery,” he says.
For those who get past the substance abuse, and then relapse, Hessler says there are local services to help these people get back on track.; “There’s medication assisted treatment. There’s therapy. There are faith-based options, harm reduction to keep people safe until they’re able to make that change. There’s sober living residences. . Residential treatment. There’s all kinds of options,” he says. “That’s something that’s wonderful in our community too that there are more resources now than ever out there to help folks.”
But Hessler says everyone should be ready and prepared to help those who are struggling to stay sober and clean. “Folks are getting trained. We’re getting NARCAN out in the community so that if someone is struggling and happens to overdose, we have people who are ready, and hopefully keep folks from overdosing,” he says.
As part of National Recovery Month, the Health Department and the Frederick County Department of Social Services are hosting the annual Recovery Month Kickball tournament on September 21st, 2024 at Pinecliff Park, (8350 Pinecliff Park Road) in Frederick from 9:00 AM until 3:00 PM. Hessler says there will be vendors, food trucks,. family fun, music and a DJ.
Also, during the month of September, the Frederick County Health Department’s headquarters on 350 Montevue Lane will be lit with purple lights, the color of associated with Recovery Month.
“Each and everyone of us—regardless of whether you’re touched personally by substance use or not—all of us can do our part in helping folks who are struggling with substance use. There are lots of ways to do it, and I encourage you to reach out and find out what you can do to help,” Hessler says.
By Kevin McManus