More Than a Month: What National Recovery Month Means to Me
You may know—or maybe you don’t—but September is National Recovery Month. It's a time to celebrate the commitment, work, and determination of individuals who have experienced addiction, alcoholism, and other substance use disorders and are now on the path of recovery.
Having worked in the field of substance use for many years, I’ve witnessed the incredible transformation that sobriety can bring. The decision to remain clean or sober is not made once—it's made every single day. Some days are easier than others, and each one brings its own challenges. I've seen people at what they describe as "rock bottom," and if I’m fortunate enough, I get to witness the emotional unraveling that addiction often masks—and then, the healing that follows. Watching someone grow into a version of themselves they never imagined possible is one of the greatest privileges of this work.
This month holds a soft spot in my heart because this is where I fell in love with social work—and began my journey as a budding (though older!) therapist. As a student, I had to complete an internship to earn my degree. Because I was working full-time, I needed something that could accommodate my schedule. I was open to anything, and that openness led me to an IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) that operated in the evenings.
I still remember my first day. I was nervous, unsure, and had very limited exposure to substance use treatment. I walked into a group of about 20 people, and one young man looked at me and asked, “Are you going to be scared off… like the last one?” In that moment—I knew I was hooked. There was something about the authenticity, the rawness, the no-BS attitude of that group that struck a chord in me. I felt like I had found my people. A space where I could be real, where I didn’t have to perform, and where I could bear witness to some of the most powerful stories of healing, challenge, trauma, and triumph. That was the moment I found my passion.
Through this journey of working alongside my clients, I realized I was more than just a “normie.” I came to understand addiction in a deeper, more human way. Addiction is fueled by obsession, physical dependency, trauma, avoidance, a desire to numb, sometimes a desire to die—but most importantly, a desire to live. And oh, have I seen people live.
I’ve seen lives go from trauma to triumph. I’ve seen love, marriage, children, and stability—both financial and emotional. And even in those I’ve lost along the way, I still carry joy in knowing that I got to see who they really were—even for just a moment. I saw the hope, the glimmer in their eyes, the rebuilding of relationships. And for that, I am eternally grateful.
This experience has shaped me—not just as a professional, but as a person. So, for me, National Recovery Month is more than just a month on the calendar. It’s a time to celebrate the triumphs and to remind the next person that recovery is possible—because I’ve seen it with my own eyes. To those who have allowed me to walk alongside you in your journey: Thank you. You’ve changed my life more than you know.
Whether you're someone in recovery, a loved one, a provider, or simply someone who wants to support healing—take a moment this month to recognize the strength it takes to recover.
Let’s keep the conversation going—because someone out there needs to hear that they are not alone. it takes to recover.
Share a story.
Reach out to someone in recovery.
Support organizations doing this life-saving work.
Educate yourself and others.
Be part of the change that breaks the stigma.
Recovery is real. Recovery is possible. Recovery deserves to be celebrated.
If you're on your own path of recovery—or you're ready to start one—you don’t have to do it alone. Whether you're dealing with substance use, trauma, anxiety, or life transitions, support is available and healing is possible. If you’re ready to begin or continue your journey, I invite you to book a therapy session with me. Together, we can explore your story, uncover your strength, and build a path forward—one day at a time.