National Recovery Month is an observance held every September to provide education and awareness around the benefits of prevention, treatment and recovery for substance use and mental health disorders. It is a time for us to celebrate those whose lives have been improved and transformed by recovery, as well as offers hope to those who are struggling.
Recovery Month is a reminder that no one is alone throughout their recovery journey. While substance use and mental health services have been around for years, the stigma around these issues also persists. Recovery Month not only provides an opportunity to help eliminate this stigma, it also provides a platform to share about the additional challenges and inequities that those in marginalized groups face.
According to the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health:
- 26.4% (8.1M) African American adults had a mental illness and/or substance use disorder.
- 25.7% (10.8M) Hispanic adults had a mental illness and/or substance use disorder.
- 20.5% (3.1M) AAPI adults had a mental illness and/or substance use disorder.
- 61.6% (10.3M) LGB adults had a mental illness and/or substance use disorder.
- 1 in 4 African American and 1 in 4 Hispanic adults with mental illness experienced serious mental illness.
- 1 in 7 AAPI adults with mental illness experienced serious mental illness.
- 2 in 5 LGB adults with mental illness experienced serious mental illness.
- Rates of severe mood disorders have significantly increased among African American adolescents and young adults in the past 10 years, especially among females.
- Among African American, Hispanic and AAPI people aged 12 or older, self-help groups were a common form of treatment, in part due to reduced fears of stigmatization.
- Of the LGB individuals reporting serious mental illness, about 1/3 have not received mental health treatment of any kind. Data suggests that improving access to mental health treatment remains an important area for improvement.
Together, we can fight the stigma surrounding mental health disorders and addiction. We must advocate for increased access to behavioral health services for all communities. At Horizon, we remain committed to providing quality and equitable care to everyone we serve.
If you or a loved one is in need of support, call us today at 716.831.1800.