Since 1989, agencies, communities, clients, and providers have celebrated National Recovery Month in September. This annual celebration creates space to promote innovative treatment options, support those in recovery, educate the public about substance use disorders and mental health issues, and acknowledge service providers who make recovery possible. At Zepf Center, September is a time to celebrate those in recovery and come together as a community to support their journey at every stage. 

While recovery can mean different things for different people, they all share a main goal of improving their overall health and well-being. Whether someone is living with substance use disorder or mental health challenges, effective treatment must focus on the whole person and be customizable to fit their unique needs.

Zepf Center is proud to offer individualized, person-centered care to support the client's physical, mental, social, and emotional needs. This approach, also known as integrated care, ensures clients are equipped with evidence-based treatment and recovery support to reclaim their lives and maintain recovery.  

Recovery Month is significant to the recovery community because it encourages everyone to support those in recovery, understand the challenges they face, and celebrate their successes. Recovery not only impacts a person’s health, but access to a supportive recovery community can also create hope, promote healing, and allow people to regain a sense of control in their lives.

At Zepf Center, clients can not only depend on their treatment team and surrounding community for support, but they can also access specific groups, meetings, and treatment options created and directed by people with lived experiences. In the recovery community, someone with lived experience is called a peer. Because of their unique expertise, peers know how to access essential recovery resources and contribute to a vital sense of belonging and hope for clients.

Another goal of Recovery Month is to break the stigma associated with substance use disorder and mental health challenges. There are many misconceptions about people who live with these conditions, as well as misinformation about treatment options. This misrepresentation can lead to feelings of embarrassment, resentment, shame, or apprehension for those who might otherwise seek treatment and support. By talking openly about substance use and mental health care, community members break these stigmas and remove barriers to care for their neighbors, loved ones, and family members.

“September is an incredibly exciting time for us as we uplift our clients and all members of the recovery community,” said Zepf Center CEO Deb Flores. “Though there is still work to be done, we want to celebrate the strides our community has made to reduce stigma and remove barriers to care.”

National Recovery Month is a time for everyone to come together and celebrate the strength of those in recovery, as well as the providers, programs, and agencies that make recovery possible. With consistent and dependable support, tools, and resources, recovery—and the chance to lead a meaningful life—is possible for everyone.

For more information about Zepf Center’s services or to schedule an intake appointment, please call 419.841.7701.