As we close out another busy Recovery Month, I wanted to reflect upon this important observance and share about some of our accomplishments this year. Every September since 1989, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has recognized National Recovery Month. These days, it can be harder and harder to find someone whose life is not touched in some way by the recovery community. That’s because the recovery community is vast and diverse.
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Ask almost anyone about suicide, and you’ll likely find they have been personally impacted by the loss – or near loss – of a loved one. It’s perhaps not surprising given the statistics. In 2022 alone, more than 49,000 people in the United States died by suicide, the highest number ever recorded (PDF | 440 KB) in this country. That means one death every 11 minutes. And sadly, there are millions more Americans who considered or attempted suicide.
Supporting Your Mental Health During the Holiday Season
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Together We Can: International Overdose Awareness Day 2024
In 2023, our nation witnessed the first annual decline in overdose deaths since 2018. In 2022, there were over 111,000 deaths. In 2023, that number fell to 107,543. Though modest, this suggests that nationwide efforts to reduce overdoses are making a positive impact. However, the work is not finished.