The Ministry of National Security and the Department for National Drug Control (DNDC) in conjunction with treatment agencies across the island, will celebrate National Recovery Month this September 2016.

This year’s Recovery Month’s theme is “JOIN THE VOICES FOR RECOVERY: OUR FAMILIES, OUR STORIES, OUR RECOVERY”.

This year (2016) will be the 27^th Annual Recovery Month observance spearheaded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) in the USA. The DNDC will use this month to educate Bermuda about substance use treatment and mental health services, which can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life. The observance reinforces the positive message that behavioural health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover. 

Today, the Minister of National Security, Sen. the Hon. Jeffrey Baron said, “There are hundreds of Bermudians whose lives have been transformed through recovery. Since these successes often go unnoticed by the broader population, Recovery Month 2016 provides a vehicle for everyone to celebrate these accomplishments.

“Each September, millions of prevention, treatment, and recovery programmes and facilities around the world celebrate National Recovery Month. They speak about the gains made by those in recovery and share their success stories with their neighbours, friends, and colleagues. In doing so, everyone helps to increase awareness and furthers a greater understanding about the diseases of mental and substance use disorders.”

In this, its 27^th year, Recovery Month highlights the achievements of individuals who have reclaimed their lives in long-term recovery and honours the treatment and recovery service providers who make recovery possible. It also promotes the message that recovery, in all of its forms, is possible; and encourages citizens to take action to help expand and improve the availability of effective prevention, treatment, and recovery services for those in need.

This month, is an opportunity to celebrate those individuals and their families who are committed to living a healthy and drug free lifestyle. And there are numerous activities planned for those in recovery and those professionals servicing this special population including a football game, a special family and client event, and the BACB Councellor of the Year Award ceremony. Other highlights this month include:​

• Sept. 20^th – DNDC to host workshop – “From our family to yours”
• Sept. 24^th – FOCUS No Booze Cruise
• Sept. 26^th – Salvation Army – Recovery Relay-Walk
• Sept 28^th – Turning Point – Mini Fair and Entertainment Night
• Sept 28^th and 29^th – Substance Abuse Prevention Faith Summit
• See full list of Recovery Month activities.

The Department for National Drug Control would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge their treatment and recovery partners:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Bermuda Addiction Certification Board (BACB)
• Bermuda Assessment and Referral (BARC)- Department of Court Services
• Bermuda Professional Counselling Services – DUI Programme
• Drug Treatment Court
• FOCUS Counselling Services
• Lifeskills and Counselling – Department of Child and Family Services
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• Nelson Bascome Substance Abuse Treatment Facility (Men’s and Women’s Programmes) – Department for National Drug Control
• Pathways Bermuda
• Right Living House ( Department of Corrections)
• Salvation Army ( Harbor Light and Community Life Skills Programmes)
• Turning Point Substance Abuse Programme ( BHB)

For further information, contact:
Ms. Joanne Dean
Director
Department for National Drug Control
292-3049