September is National Recovery Month and is an observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the emergence of a strong proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and community members across the nation who make recovery in all its forms possible.
Mental health and substance use disorders affect all communities nationwide, with commitment and support, those impacted can embark on a journey of improved health and overall wellness.
The focus of National Recovery Month this September is to celebrate all people that make the journey of recovery possible by embracing the 2021 theme, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.”
National Recovery Month spreads the message that people can and do recover every day.
Mental health and substance use disorders affect people from all walks of life and all age groups. These illnesses are common, recurrent, and often serious, but they are treatable, and many people do recover. Mental disorders involve changes in thinking, mood, and/or behavior. These disorders can affect how individuals relate to others and make choices.
Reaching a level that can be formally diagnosed often depends on a reduction in a person’s ability to function because of the disorder. For example:
- Serious mental illness is defined by someone over 18 having (within the past year) a diagnosable mental, behavior, or emotional disorder that causes serious functional impairment that substantially interferes with or limits one or more major life activities.
- For people under the age of 18, the term “Serious Emotional Disturbance” refers to a diagnosable mental, behavioral, or emotional disorder in the past year, which resulted in functional impairment that substantially interferes with or limits the child’s role or functioning in family, school, or community activities.
- Substance use disorders occur when the recurrent use of alcohol and/or drugs causes clinically significant impairment, including health problems, disability, and failure to meet major responsibilities at work, school, or home.
Through National Recovery Month, people become more aware and able to recognize the signs of mental health and substance use disorders and encourage people in need of recovery services to seek help. Managing the effects of these conditions helps individuals achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally.
Despite the large number of Americans affected by mental health and substance use disorders, stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorders are major barriers that prevent people from seeking the treatment that they need. Another huge barrier that prevents people from receiving the treatment that they need are the insurance companies.
At Kantor & Kantor we work to put an end to stigma surrounding mental illness and substance use disorders and we advocate for treatment and recovery.
We are willing to stand up to the insurance companies when they deny treatment and we understand that living with a mental illness or substance use disorder is different for everyone.
If you or someone you know is suffering from a mental illness or a substance use disorder and you are being denied benefits by your insurance, please call Kantor & Kantor for a free consultation or complete our online contact form. We understand, and we can help.
