LOUISVILLE, Ky. — September is National Recovery Month. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention there were over one hundred thousand overdose deaths in 2021. Recovery month celebrates gains made by those in recovery from substance use disorders.
Recovery month is a time to celebrate those in recovery and remind them that there is hope when battling substance use disorders.
Substance use disorders are treatable, but often chronic diseases.
People living with substance use disorders have an intense focus on using certain substances, to the point where their ability to function day-to-day becomes impaired.
There are many drugs that can be applied to substance use disorders like alcohol, cannabis and opioids.
Elizabeth Nichols from Kentucky Specialty Courts Drug Court program shared about the road to recovery.
“We make a case plan and according to the individual’s needs. We want to insure that we are addressing them holistically and connecting them to the recourses needed and not every individual is going to need the same recourses and support,” said Nichols.
There are a range of treatment options, some include medications, counseling and inpatient rehabilitation.
The CDC says millions of Americans are living with substance use disorders.
If you or a loved one is suffering from a substance use disorder, you can text your zip-code to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration at 435748.