National Recovery Month

National Recovery Month is an annual observance every September to raise awareness about
mental health and substance use disorder recovery. It was started in 1989 and led by SAMHSA.
The core goal is to celebrate people in recovery, honor providers, and promote evidence-based
treatment. It can be helpful to categorize the stages of recovery into the following five events.
Precontemplation is the state of not being ready to quit the substance or activity of choice. The
person does not see their substance use as a problem. They often feel defensive, are in denial,
or blame outside factors for their troubles. The mindset might be that they don’t have a
problem.

This is what precontemplation can look like:
− Denial or minimization: Downplaying consequences like blackouts, job loss, or health
scares.
− Externalization: Blaming partners, family, employers, or the legal system instead of
substance use.
− Resignation or hopelessness: Feeling that recovery is impossible or that past failures
mean permanent defeat.
− Rebellion: Resenting rules, feeling controlled, and fighting perceived coercion.

In the contemplation or uncertain stage, the person recognizes that a problem exists and
seriously considers making a change. However, they still feel conflicted and struggle with
ambivalence. Their mindset might be that they have a problem but aren’t sure if they are ready
or want to change.

Here’s how that can manifest:
− Sitting on the fence. They desire well-being, yet fear losing the short-term coping relief
or comfort of the old habit.
− Accumulating friction: Negative feedback from loved ones or mounting personal costs
make the status quo painful.
− Ambivalence: Their mind alternates between “I have to fix this” and “I can’t imagine
stopping.”

In the preparation stage, the person decides to change and starts planning. They intend to take
action soon (usually within a month). They might research treatment centers, talk to doctors, or
tell family members. Preparation for recovery means bridging the gap between thinking about
change and taking concrete action, whether healing from substance use or preparing mind and body for medical treatment. The person views recovery as a dynamic process of progress rather than perfection.

The following are some actionable steps:
− Address anxiety proactively. Combine mental health support with physical prep before
medical procedures or detox.
− Set specific goals. Write down a clear start date, reduction limit, or treatment entry
target.
− Clear out triggers like physical reminders, substances, and/or enablers (if possible) from
your home and workspace.
− Build a network by informing trusted family or friends, connect with a sponsor, and/or
review the American Addiction Centers Rehab Guide if entering formal treatment.
− Map out alternatives by lining up healthy outlets like exercise, creative hobbies, or
support meetings. Explore stages and guidance via Texas Health Stages of Recovery
Guide.

The fourth stage is actively making changes. The person actively modifies their behavior, habits,
and environment to stop using their substance of choice. This stage takes the most active
effort, time, and commitment. The mindset is that they are actively changing their lives to get
and stay sober. This is the implementation phase of the transtheoretical model of change,
where individuals invest time and energy to actively modify behavior, environment, or both.

Core activities include:
− A behavior shift to stop substance use, practicing abstinence, and/or executing daily
change plans.
− Getting clinical care by entering detox, rehab, or starting individual/group therapy.
− Building support by attending meetings like SMART Recovery and/or Alcoholics
Anonymous. Let your support team help guide you on what to join or use.
− Environment modification, e.g. removing triggers, avoiding high-risk places and people,
and establishing routines.

One should expect high levels of effort. This phase requires intense introspection and resilience
against cravings or emotional swings. It is the most outwardly noticeable phase for the
individual and support network. Progress is non-linear and setbacks can happen. Focus must be
shifted back to preparation rather than failure.

The fifth and final stage is maintenance. The person works to sustain long-term recovery and
prevent a relapse. This stage involves building new coping skills and handling everyday life
without returning to old habits. They are working to protect my recovery and keep moving

forward. The maintenance stage is the long-term phase in recovery (typically starting after 6
months of sustained change) where you lock in new habits and protect against relapse.

Key actions in this phase include:
− Track patterns by reviewing recovery progress at regular intervals.
− Stay connected. Keep attending support groups, therapy, and/or aftercare check-ins.
− Manage triggers by refining coping strategies when stress, boredom, and unexpected
crises hit.
− Accept that progress is non-linear.
− Know that slips happen. A return to old habits is a detour, not total failure.
− Recycle quickly by using self-compassion to step back into action or maintenance
without shame.

For support, try the National Helpline. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or visit the SAMHSA Find
Help Line. For questions and appointments with us, write to us on our website or call (585) 442-
6960.