September is National Recovery Month

September 4, 2014 by Staff Report

Every September, the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services joins the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to promote National Recovery Month and to spread the message that behavioral health is essential to a person’s overall health and wellness, and that prevention works, treatment is effective and people recover.

Mental and substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide, but with commitment and support, people with these disorders can achieve healthy lifestyles and lead rewarding lives in recovery. By seeking help, people who experience mental and/or substance use disorders can embark on a new path toward improved health and wellness.

The 2014 theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Speak Up, Reach Out,” focuses on helping people become more aware of and be able to recognize the signs of mental and/or substance use disorders, which can lead more people into treatment. Managing the effects of these conditions can help people achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally.

According to the 2012 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 2.5 million people aged 12 or older received treatment for a substance use disorder and 34.1 million adults aged 18 or older received mental health services. Given the serious nature of this problem, we must continue to reach out to those who need help.

The Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services contracts with agencies to provide prevention and treatment services. The following agencies can help if you or a loved one experiences a substance use or mental health disorder:

Catholic Charities Community Services: 440-285-3537

Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers: 440-285-9119

NAMI Geauga: 440-285-3945

Ravenwood Mental Health Center: 440-285-3568

WomenSafe: 440-286-7154

For more information, contact the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services at 440-285-2282 or visit www.geauga.org.