National Recovery Month promotes the multitude of benefits that come with prevention, treatment, and recovery for substance use disorders. Individuals of all types come together to celebrate their recovery and to appreciate the contributions of treatment and service providers that assist them in returning to healthy, productive lives. The month was created by SAMHSA to promote the message that recovery in all its forms is possible and available to those who desire it.
Physicians who are struggling with addictions often find it challenging to admit they need help. A major barrier to asking for help is the fear of losing their license to practice and the livelihood attached to it. Another obstacle is that physicians often self-diagnose and self-medicate, which is not a workable scenario when it comes to addiction. Like the general population, dependent doctors rarely succeed in going it alone when deciding to stop.
Recovery Month spreads the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health, that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover. It connects individuals to one another for support and encouragement.
In February of 2017, a group of physicians will convene for the third annual Western Doctors In Recovery conference in Carmel Valley. We invite you to learn more HERE.