End Substance Use Disorder Celebrates National Recovery Month

September is National Recovery Month - a time to celebrate the millions of Americans in recovery from substance use disorder and to promote proven pathways to recovery. End Substance Use Disorder released a statement today to recognize National Recovery Month:

"Substance use disorder is a treatable medical condition and people do recover,” said Erin Schanning, president of End Substance Use Disorder. “We all deserve access to the support we need to be well regardless of our medical condition, income, or background. This month, we celebrate the millions of people in recovery from substance use disorder. And, we call on lawmakers to enact common-sense solutions like the MAT Act to open the doors of recovery for millions more across the country.”

More than 20 million Americans are in recovery from substance use disorder, showing that people do get better with the right treatment and support. These Americans in recovery are leaders in their communities. They include Cabinet Secretaries like Deb Haaland and Marty Walsh, business executives, and loving family members, friends, and colleagues.

But, recovery is still too much a matter of luck for the more than 40 million Americans with substance use disorder. Only about 1 in 10 Americans in need receive treatment and stigma is a significant barrier to care. No one should face stigma for having substance use disorder or for seeking help for the condition.

We must make treatment that supports recovery universally accessible. That’s why this month, we’ve joined with more than 165 organizations to urge Congress to pass the Mainstreaming Addiction Treatment (MAT) Act. This bill will prevent overdoses, increase access to treatment, and reduce stigma by removing outdated federal rules that prevent healthcare providers from prescribing a lifesaving recovery medication.

While we celebrate the inspiring stories of Americans from all walks of life who are in recovery, we also call for action to end stigma and support healing.