National Recovery Month 2026
In honor of National Recovery Month, this blog post will provide information that may be helpful to anyone who is having concerns about their or a loved one’s alcohol or drug use. Did you know that in the US today, the most used substances are nicotine, alcohol, cannabis (marijuana), opioids (ex: fentanyl, prescription painkillers, heroin), and stimulants (ex: cocaine, amphetamines)?
If you are noticing signs of harmful patterns or negative physical, social, and economic consequences resulting from your or another’s use of any of the above-mentioned substances, a simple assessment called the CAGE-AID Questionnaire may indicate the need for professional intervention.
C: Have you ever felt that you ought to Cut down on your drinking or drug use?
A: Have people Annoyed you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?
G: Have you ever felt bad or Guilty about your drinking or drug use?
E: Have you ever had a drink or used drugs first thing in the morning to steady your nerves or to get rid of a hangover (Eye opener)?
Generally, if anyone answers “yes” to one or more of these questions, it could be an indication of a possible need for evaluation from a mental health provider.
While some people have the motivation and skillset to make changes on their own, many can benefit from help from a trained professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, licensed counselor, and/or a licensed clinical social worker. These helpers are equipped to determine the severity of a person’s substance use and based on the information gathered, may recommend specific types of programs.
Possible Recommendations:
Medical Detox:
Depending on the specific substances being used, the quantity, and the frequency, it may be vital for a person to receive around-the-clock medical care at a detox facility to keep them safe and comfortable while they go through withdrawal. Withdrawal symptoms can begin 6-24 hours after last use of alcohol or drugs and may last for 5-7 days. During this time, medical professionals are on hand to treat symptoms such as intense cravings, tremors, muscle pain, fatigue, irritability, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, insomnia, paranoia, and seizures.
*It is important to note that after detoxing, opioid users are at high risk for overdose and death because their bodies no longer have the same tolerance to the drug and will be more sensitive to the amount they used before.
Residential/Inpatient aka “Rehab”:
These are programs where someone may be admitted into a controlled environment (meaning there are rules for when a person can come and go) for a range of 2 weeks to 6 months. It can be especially helpful to be removed from one’s usual environment and get support from trained staff while experiencing ongoing withdrawal symptoms and cravings to use. These programs serve people through one-on-one therapy and group therapy so they can gain valuable education on what may be happening in their mind and body, develop essential relapse prevention skills, explore goals, and plan for sober life upon leaving.
Intensive Outpatient aka IOP:
At this level of care, people typically complete 3 hours of treatment for about 3-5 days a week over a period of 3-6 months. This may include both individual and group therapy to further strengthen recovery skills and receive ongoing emotional and mental health support. Unlike rehab, people engage in their usual activities of daily life, such as going to work or school.
Outpatient:
The main difference between outpatient treatment and IOP is that therapeutic sessions are shorter and less frequent. For some, treatment at this level can look like 1-2 hour counseling sessions that occur at a range of once a week to once every few weeks.
Peer Support Groups:
These meetings are led by and for people who share the common goal of abstaining from alcohol and/or drugs. Attendees build community, learn from each other, celebrate achievements and milestones, and give and receive emotional support.
Fortunately, there are also specific resources that exist for those who are impacted by a loved one’s substance use.
Relatives, partners, and close friends in this position may consider individual therapy for many reasons, such as, to process emotions, improve communication skills, and learn to support relapse prevention. Additionally, there are free peer support groups that one may find helpful, such as Families Anonymous, Nar-Anon Family Groups (drug-focused), and Al-Anon Family Groups (alcohol focused). These are 12-step programs that help family members and loved ones of people who use drugs and alcohol to combat feelings of hopelessness, isolation, and shame by bringing together people with shared lived experiences to learn and support each other. While there are many books on this topic, here are my top recommendations for a deeper dive:
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Influence by Anna Lembke, MD
Beyond Addiction: How Science and Kindness Help People Change by Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkens, and Nicole Kosanke
Undoing Drugs: How Harm Reduction Is Changing the Future of Drugs and Addiction by Maia Szalavitz
The Friends and Family Guide to the Opioid Overdose Epidemic by Peter Canning
National Recovery Month is an opportunity to remember that recovery is not a single destination or a straight line.
It can look different for every person and setbacks do not erase progress. Whether you or your loved one is actively using substances, considering treatment, newly in recovery, or somewhere in between, please remember that everyone deserves support. Seeking help can be an important part of caring for yourself and sustaining your ability to remain in community with the people you love. Remember that you are not alone, healing is possible, and there is always room for hope.