National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to educate Americans about addiction treatment and mental health services and how they can help people with mental health issues or substance use disorder (SUD) live healthy and rewarding lives.
Hosted by the Association for Addiction Professionals (NAADAC), Recovery Month fights the stigma of addiction and reinforces the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.
There are millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery. Since these successes often go unnoticed by the broader population, Recovery Month provides a vehicle for everyone to celebrate these accomplishments.
The focus is on the four major dimensions of recovery: health, home, purpose, and community. These are the factors that all individuals need to live healthy, happy, independent lives and reach their full potential.
For week two, National Recovery Month is highlighting the important role a safe and stable home environment plays in the recovery journey of people with mental health conditions and substance use disorders. A home is more than a place to live. It’s our comfort zone, a place where we feel safe and supported. This can be especially important for people in recovery.
Unfortunately, not all people have stable housing. Many face barriers, such as stigma, discrimination, and a lack of life skills, which can make recovery more challenging. Having a secure home environment during the recovery journey can help. This environment includes more than just the physical structure of a home, it includes creating long-lasting, nurturing relationships with family and friends.
The family-centered treatment approach at The Blanchard Institute is designed to achieve just that. We integrate family members into the recovery process from the beginning. Blanchard offers a structured blend of therapy sessions, educational workshops, and support groups that involve family members throughout the treatment journey.
Co-occurring addiction and mental health disorders are common as substance misuse frequently represents a maladaptive coping mechanism to deal with the emotional pain of a mental health condition such as depression, anxiety, or trauma.
EXTENDED CARE AT BLANCHARD’S RECOVERY RESIDENCES
Stable housing and extended care are important elements of the treatment philosophy at Blanchard. Our recovery residences are gender-specific, providing extended care in a structured environment where residents can feel safe and supported by their peers while attending outpatient treatment.
Unlike traditional facilities of this kind, our recovery residences are not just sober homes but constitute an extended care program holding each resident accountable for their treatment and recovery.
TWO GENDER-SPECIFIC RESIDENCES
Our recovery residence for women is called Bettie’s House. It provides women with a safe, affordable place to heal and recover while receiving treatment. The residence was named after the mother of our founder and CEO, Ward Blanchard since she was an integral part in supporting his journey to recovery.
The men’s recovery residence, Austin’s House is named after a survivor of the the horrific school shooting at Columbine High School. Austin Eubanks and Ward Blanchard became close friends through their personal and professional journeys. Austin envisioned a society with people who didn’t medicate their pain with substances and unhealthy coping behaviors, and he devoted his life to helping others so this dream could become a reality.
CLEAR BENEFITS
An around-the-clock structured environment helps hold residents accountable for their actions, making it easier to stay sober and learn new healthy habits.
Extended care reinforces what residents learned in treatment and provides further support in early recovery to reduce the risk of relapse. It also gives them space to repair personal relationships that may have suffered as a result of their substance use.
Participation in recovery communities provides a solid framework for a sober lifestyle. Sharing experiences, thoughts, and feelings related to recovery topics can promote valuable support and fellowship among peers.
HOMECOMING PICNIC
The Blanchard Institute has been at the forefront of raising awareness of recovery-related issues in North Carolina. Earlier this month, Blanchard was part of the 3rd annual Strike Out Stigma night in Charlotte to support mental health awareness. In July, Blanchard hosted its annual Recovery Awareness Day.
On Saturday, September 14, you’re invited to join our annual change agent homecoming picnic! It offers alumni, families, and friends an opportunity to (re)connect, celebrate recovery, and enjoy an evening of food, fun, and fellowship.
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: The Blanchard Institute – Charlotte
10348 Park Road, Charlotte, NC
Whether you’re a recent graduate or have been part of our alumni network for years, this event is for you! We look forward to seeing you and celebrating the incredible progress and success stories of our change agent community.
The Blanchard Institute cultivates a safe, comfortable environment for clients and their families across North Carolina. Our recovery management and alumni programs support a life-long recovery.
Our admissions process is discrete and confidential. Call us at (704) 368-0776—our experienced admissions specialists will guide you through the process and treat you with the dignity and compassion you deserve.