September is Recovery Month

Recovery Month promotes the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders, celebrates people in recovery, lauds the contributions of treatment and service providers, and promotes the message that recovery in all its forms is possible. Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.

September 17–23, 2012

 

As part of National Recovery Month, SAMHSA launched the first National Wellness Week in September 2011. National Wellness Week encouraged individuals, families, and communities across the country to improve their health behaviors, while also exploring their talents, skills, interests, social connections, and environment to incorporate other dimensions of wellness.

More than 100 peer-run, faith-based, and other community organizations—including schools, clinics and employers—organized activities during National Wellness Week to promote one or more of the Eight Dimensions of Wellness.

We want this year to be even bigger—tell us your plans and get on the map for National Wellness Week 2012! We want to hear what events, activities, and promotions you’re planning for your communities. Email us at [email protected] with your:

• Name
• Contact number and email for general questions*
• Organization and website, if applicable*
• Description of your planned activity*
• Time, date and location of your planned activity*
• Any other comments or questions about National Wellness Week

Please note: information marked with an asterisk (*) will be shown on this web page to help individuals and organizations identify local National Wellness Week activities in which they may participate. By providing this information, you are not only helping participants, you’re also publicizing your organization!

 
National Wellness Week 2012 Honorary Chairperson

Stanice Anderson

Poet, author, speaker, recovery expert, and Huffington Post blogger
She will be releasing a new poem about wellness and recovery as part of the Art Expression for Wellness national event on September 19 during National Wellness Week.

National Wellness Week 2012 Honorary Chairperson Stanice Anderson is an addictions recovery expert, speaker, blogger, and author of nonfiction books. Stanice shares her inspiring story that includes overcoming addiction (27 years), low self-esteem, abusive relationships, as well as her journey forward with faith and confidence to realize her dreams. Recently, she became a blogger on The Huffington Post. She writes about recovery and faith for the Religion Section, in her signature storytelling style and strong, yet vulnerable voice that transports readers to an emotional place where tears, laughter, and hope collide. She will be releasing a new poem about wellness and recovery as part of the Art Expression for Wellness national event on September 19. Visit her at http://www.stanice.com .
 
National Wellness Week 2012 Day-by-Day

Monday, September 17

Overview of Eight Dimensions
Over-arching activities about Wellness Initiative, National Wellness Week and how the Eight Dimensions help people recover and build resilience, especially when confronted with traumatic, mental health or substance use challenges.

Tuesday, September 18

Physical Dimension
Activities promoting healthy behaviors including smoking cessation, physical activity, nutrition, adequate sleep, and safe medication use.

Wednesday, September 19

Intellectual Dimension
Activities encouraging individuals to participate in the Artistic Expression for Wellness national activity such as writing poetry or developing artwork. Also, messages inspiring creativity and mentally stimulating activities, such as writing poetry or teaching others about one’s area of interest.
Artistic Expression for Wellness national activity.

Thursday, September 20

Spiritual Dimension
Activities encouraging activities such as mediation, prayer, or music into one’s efforts to enhance their recovery.

Friday, September 21

Social and Emotional Dimensions
Activities encouraging individuals to join the Line Dance for Wellness in communities across the country. Dancing is a great stress-reliever and also provides social interaction. Individuals can also incorporate the social and emotional dimensions in a variety of other ways, such as volunteering, joining a book club or simply spending more time with family and friends. Line Dance for Wellness national activity.

Saturday, September 22

Financial and Occupational Dimensions
Activities promoting tips and support on how to manage one’s finances. Encouraging individuals to explore work opportunities that will provide satisfaction in their lives.

Sunday, September 23

Environmental Dimension
Activities promoting ways individuals can improve healthy environmental surroundings to support their physical and mental health.

 
View Nationwide Activities

Information is available for states shown in yellow.

Click on the MAP to access activities page:

 

Please note: information marked with an asterisk (*) will be shown on this web page to help individuals and organizations identify local National Wellness Week activities in which they may participate. By providing this information, you are not only helping participants, you’re also publicizing your organization!