Business Wire | September 3, 2024
With substance use disorder (SUD) affecting more than 48 million people annually, Crossroads Treatment Centers (Crossroads) is leveraging September, National Recovery Month, as an opportunity to increase understanding and start meaningful conversations with individuals and family members about SUD. The support of loved ones is integral to the recovery journey and process, and the strength and resilience of all who are impacted deserve to be honored and celebrated.
“It’s essential to approach treatment with the same compassion and evidence-based practices that organizations like Crossroads exemplify. With the right support and medical care, recovery is not just possible, it’s achievable for everyone.”
“As we enter National Recovery Month, we reflect on the over 300,000 patients we have had the privilege of supporting through their recovery journey,” said Dr. Rupert McCormac, Founder and CEO of Crossroads. “We know how critical the support of a patient’s family and loved ones is to their long-term success in recovery. However, we also know that addiction is often a disease of isolation, which is why at Crossroads, our treatment teams and 24/7/365 patient access team provide continuous support for our patients.”
Guidance for Families and Loved Ones Supporting Recovery
Supporting a loved one in recovery requires understanding, patience and empathy. The following considerations provide guidance on how to navigate conversations and offer meaningful support to individuals experiencing SUD:
- Choose your words carefully: Reducing the stigma surrounding SUD starts with mindful language. Using person-first language like, “individual with a substance use disorder,” “patient,” or “person in recovery” helps separate a person’s identity from their condition. People are not their disorders.
- Educate yourself about addiction: Understanding the complexities of addiction, including the psychological, genetic and environmental factors, is a critical part of fostering more informed, compassionate conversations and even challenging personal stigma.
- Celebrate progress, not perfection: Each step forward in recovery, no matter how small, deserves recognition. Acknowledging even the smallest victories provides essential encouragement and helps individuals stay motivated on their recovery paths.
- Understand that recovery is not linear: Recovery is a long, and often not a straightforward, process. It requires patience and realistic expectations from loved ones. Supporting someone in recovery means recognizing that progress may be gradual, and relapses are part of the journey, but each step forward is meaningful.
- Prioritize your own well-being: Supporting someone in recovery can be emotionally demanding. It’s important to care for yourself by setting healthy boundaries, seeking support when needed and engaging in self-care practices to ensure you can continue to effectively offer others your support.
“During National Recovery Month, we come together to educate our nation about addiction and work to dismantle the stigma that surrounds it. Addiction is a chronic disease, as real and complex as diabetes or cancer—it’s not a matter of moral failing,” said Dr. Jerome Adams, Former Surgeon General and member of the Crossroads Board of Directors. “It’s essential to approach treatment with the same compassion and evidence-based practices that organizations like Crossroads exemplify. With the right support and medical care, recovery is not just possible, it’s achievable for everyone.”
National Recovery Month, sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), serves as an opportunity to educate the public about addiction treatment and mental health services. The road to recovery is a challenging one, but the love and support of family and friends can make a profound difference in an individual’s journey.
For more information about National Recovery Month and how you can get involved, visit National Recovery Month | SAMHSA. To learn more about Crossroads Treatment Centers’ recovery services, visit our Services page.
The Importance of National Recovery Month and Crossroads’ Role
National Recovery Month, observed every September, is a vital time to raise awareness about opioid addiction and recovery. It aims to educate communities and reduce the stigma around substance use disorder (SUD). Crossroads Treatment Centers actively participates in this national effort to promote understanding and support for those affected by opioid addiction.
During National Recovery Month, Crossroads highlights the significance of outpatient treatment. Our outpatient addiction treatment programs provide flexible, evidence-based care allowing patients to maintain daily responsibilities. This accessibility helps many begin and sustain recovery without disrupting their lives.
Outpatient care at Crossroads includes medication-based recovery support and counseling services, personalized to individual needs.
How Crossroads Supports Patients During National Recovery Month and Beyond
Crossroads Treatment Centers understands that recovery is complex and deeply personal. The support from our doctors, nurse practitioners and counselors ensures comprehensive care.
During National Recovery Month, we emphasize family involvement. Families play a critical role in recovery success, and we provide education and resources to help them support their loved ones effectively. Understanding the nature of opioid addiction and learning compassionate communication strategies reduces isolation for patients and families alike.
Insurance and Accessibility – Removing Barriers to Care
Access to treatment is a major barrier for many with opioid addiction. Crossroads accepts Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE, VA CCN and most commercial insurance plans. We also offer self-pay options and grant assistance so that no one is denied care due to financial challenges. Highlighting this during National Recovery Month encourages individuals to seek help without fear of cost.
The Value of CARF Accreditation
Crossroads is proud to hold CARF accreditation, which demonstrates our commitment to high-quality addiction treatment. CARF standards require evidence-based practices, patient safety and continuous improvement. For patients and families during National Recovery Month, this accreditation reassures them they receive care that meets national benchmarks.
Continuous Support – 24/7/365 Patient Access Center
Addiction recovery requires consistent support. Crossroads provides 24/7/365 patient access to support teams so that help is available anytime. This continuous support is especially important during recovery’s challenging moments. National Recovery Month reminds communities that recovery is a lifelong process requiring ongoing care and connection.
Focusing on Opioid and Alcohol Addiction
Crossroads Treatment Centers specializes in treating addiction to alcohol, fentanyl, heroin and prescription opioids. This allows us to concentrate resources and expertise on the alcohol and opioid crisis. Our focused programs use medication-based recovery support and counseling to address the unique challenges of opioid and alcohol dependency.
How National Recovery Month Encourages Early Intervention
Early intervention can save lives. National Recovery Month campaigns raise awareness that opioid addiction is treatable. Crossroads encourages individuals and families to seek help at the first signs of struggle. Early treatment improves outcomes and reduces overdose risk.
Combating Stigma Through Education
Stigma remains a significant barrier to recovery. National Recovery Month helps break down misconceptions about addiction. Crossroads joins this effort by promoting person-first language and compassionate care. Using terms like “person with opioid use disorder” helps separate the person from the disease.
How You Can Offer Support During National Recovery Month
Everyone can contribute to recovery awareness. Sharing educational resources, attending events or supporting advocacy programs can make a difference. Crossroads invites communities to participate and support individuals on their recovery journeys.
National Recovery Month and Crossroads’ Commitment
National Recovery Month is a powerful reminder of the strength in recovery and the need for compassionate care. Crossroads Treatment Centers remains committed to providing accessible, evidence-based opioid addiction treatment. Together with patients, families and communities, we work toward a future with fewer opioid-related deaths and more stories of hope.