By CHARLENE LOVETT
By Charlene Lovett
Now in its 31st year, National Recovery Month is a national observance held every September to affirm that substance use treatment and mental health services can help those with mental and substance use disorders live healthy and rewarding lives. It is also a time to celebrate the many gains made by people in recovery and recognize all those who support them in those efforts. Such work is never easy, but the best outcomes occur when communities work together to ensure that resources are available when needed.
Each year, National Recovery Month chooses a focus and theme to spread awareness and share the success of treatment and recovery. This year’s theme is “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections.” Given recovery, in most cases, cannot be done alone, making connections is a critical component to success. This is even more true in a global pandemic when people feel isolated.
Currently, 23 million Americans are in recovery from addiction to alcohol or drugs. It is a number that underscores two things. People in recovery are living in our communities and recovery is achievable. Connecting people with each other and the right resources are essential in creating pathways to and maintaining long term recovery.
Here in Claremont, the Center for Recovery Resources is committed to providing a supportive environment for pursuing recovery and meeting people where they are at. Though the center was initially closed because of the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, its doors opened on June 1. Following CDC guidelines, the center offers a multitude of programs and serves approximately 40 clients a week.
Here is an overview of some of those programs:
Medically Assisted Peer Support (MAPS)
A six-month program, MAPS is a collaborative effort with area providers who provide Medically Assisted Treatment to individuals with substance use disorders. Providers refer individuals who are committed to peer recovery support. Once referred, the individual attends peer recovery sessions once a week. The goal at the end of the six months is for individuals to experience how impactful life can be in recovery.
Parenting Journey in Recovery
This evidence-based program is offered three times a year to parents who are trying to maintain sobriety while raising children. The length of the course is 14 weeks. Parents are either referred or volunteer to attend.
WRAP
Soon to be launched by Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, this program uses a client centered approach. Given those seeking assistance often need multiple services, a coordinator will help build a team of service providers/mentors selected by the client. The team could be composed entirely of professional providers or a combination of professional providers, family members and friends. The Center for Recovery will provide the peer coach services should the client need them.
Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, All Recovery and Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART)
The center not only hosts the traditionally AA and NA meetings, but also offers others that may be less familiar. By doing so, individuals can approach recovery in different ways.
Should you wish to learn more about the Center for Recovery Resources, please go to their website at centerforrecoveryresourcesnh.weebly.com, or follow them on Facebook or call (603) 287-7127. In celebration of National Recovery Month, please congratulate and encourage those who are on the path of recovery. Please consider supporting the local organizations that help make recovery possible and our communities stronger.
Charlene Lovett is the mayor of Claremont and a 22-year Army veteran. She welcomes your feedback. Please email questions, comments or concerns to her at [email protected].
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