September 16, 2026 |
What is National Recovery Month?
The History of National Recovery Month:
Taking place every year during the month of September, National Recovery Month began in 1989 under the name of Treatment Works! Month, as a way to honor the hard work of addiction professionals. Then in 1998, it was decided to rename the event National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in an effort to honor not only the work of healthcare professions in the addiction field, but to also draw attention to the work of individuals suffering from substance use disorder.
It wasn’t until 2011, that the event was transformed into its modern day form as National Recovery Month. This most recent change, was done in an effort to not only include healthcare professionals and individual patients, but to also include segments of behavioral health.
“Prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.” - SAMHSA
The month-long event is designed to educate Americans on mental health and substance use disorders, in addition to celebrating the work of individuals in recovery and providing support to affected families and patients. Recovery Month has grown exponentially over time, and has received increased attention in recent years in light of the national opioid epidemic, skyrocketing overdose rates, and increased public awareness around the need for mental health resources and services.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) now works with over 300 partnering organizations every year on event development, materials, sponsorship, marketing, and Recovery Month promotion, providing a Recovery Month Toolkit, which allows organizations and individuals around the country to participate.
Each year within National Recovery Month, SAMHSA choses a specific theme.
Celebrating Recovery Month 2026
This year, National Recovery Month highlights five themes that reflect the many factors that support recovery and help people build healthy, fulfilling lives. The themes focus on
- Recovery happens together
- Reducing stigma through storytelling
- Wellness supports recovery
- Multiple pathways to recovery
- Youth and family in recovery
Together, they emphasize that recovery is not a one-size-fits-all journey and that strong relationships, supportive communities, whole-person wellness, and access to diverse recovery pathways can help people thrive.
Throughout September, these themes invite communities to celebrate recovery, share stories that reduce stigma, recognize the many pathways through which recovery happens, and strengthen support for individuals, families, and young people. The goal is to build more recovery-ready communities where everyone has the opportunity to find connection, support, and hope.
