Recovery is Possible
By Stephanie Kinnander, Prevention Specialist with the Human Service Agency
September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the courage and strength of people in recovery, recognize the families, professionals, peers, and communities who support them, and remind one another that recovery is possible.
Every recovery story matters. When people share their experiences, they help reduce stigma, create hope, and show others that they are not alone. Recovery looks different for everyone, and there is no single path or timeline. What matters is finding the support, tools, and connections that help a person move forward.
Recovery is about more than simply stopping substance use. It is an ongoing journey toward healthier relationships, physical wellness, emotional well-being, and a life filled with meaning and purpose. Treatment and support can make a difference, and everyday wellness matters, too. Getting enough sleep, eating nourishing foods, moving our bodies, managing stress, and building healthy routines can all support a person's overall well-being throughout recovery.
Most importantly, recovery doesn't have to happen alone. Addiction can leave people feeling isolated, but connection can help open the door to healing. Families, friends, schools, workplaces, faith communities, healthcare providers, peer-support networks, and local organizations all have a role in creating a community where people feel welcomed, supported, and valued.
Recovery is happening right here in Watertown. Our community has resources for individuals and families looking for support. The Human Service Agency provides substance use assessments, treatment, and aftercare services in the surrounding area and offers options to help make care more accessible. Learn more by calling 605-886-0123.
For individuals who need additional support during a mental health or substance-use crisis, Serenity Cove in Watertown provides short-term crisis stabilization and detox services and can be reached at 605-886-0650.
Because there are different routes to recovery, there is a list of all the resources in the Watertown area that can be found at www.humanserviceagency.org/NEPrevention/neprcwhy.
Sometimes, the most important first step is simply reaching out. If you or someone you love is struggling, you don't have to have all the answers before asking for help. Start with one conversation. This Recovery Month, let's celebrate the people who are walking the road of recovery, stand beside those who are still finding their way, and continue building a Watertown community where everyone knows: You are not alone. You are worth supporting. Recovery is possible.
Information for this article was adapted from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Recovery Month Digital Toolkit: www.samhsa.gov/about/digital-toolkits/recovery-month. For more information, contact the NE Prevention Resource Center at 605-884-3516 or visit www.humanserviceagency.org.