Who doesn’t know of someone struggling with depression, anxiety or other mental illness, or who is dependent on alcohol or drugs? Mental illness and addiction take a toll on individuals, families and communities. More than 46 million adults in the U.S. (that’s nearly 1 in five) experience some form of mental illness in a given year, and 19.7 million abuse drugs or alcohol. An estimated 8.5 million adults grappled with both substance abuse and mental illness, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
The problem can seem insurmountable, but National Recovery Month in September gives hope, celebrating people who achieve long-term recovery, and recognizing the importance of treatment, support services, and prevention.
“Join the Voices for Recovery: Visible, Vocal, Valuable!” is the theme of the 30th annual National Recovery Month, created by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
“It’s a call for community members to support individuals working to achieve and maintain recovery,” NewBridge Services Chief Operations Officer Michelle Borden said. “Making support services more accessible allows people to become productive members of their community, which is good for everyone,” Borden added.
NewBridge encourages everyone to spread the word about recovery and how access to services and community support help to make it happen. Listen to stories of recovery here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9k7cdenOzog&feature=youtu.be.
“People can and do recover from addiction and mental illness, and the sooner intervention begins, the better the outcomes,” NewBridge CEO Robert L. Parker said.
NewBridge is licensed by New Jersey to provide outpatient treatment for mental illness and addiction, with locations in Haskell, Parsippany, Pompton Plains and Sparta. The nonprofit also has specialized day treatment programs and provides supportive housing services for adults with serious mental illness. If you are struggling with addiction or mental illness, contact NewBridge at (973) 316-9333 or services@newbridge.org to get on the path to recovery.
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