GREENVILLE, S.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With substance use disorder (SUD) affecting more than 48 million Americans 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.
“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.”
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 Crossroads Treatment Centers Substance Use Disorder Treatment.
About Crossroads Treatment Centers
Since 2005, Crossroads has been at the forefront of treating patients with substance use disorder. Currently operating more than 100 centers across 9 states (GA, KY, NJ, NC, PA, SC, TN, TX, and VA), we are a family of physicians, nurse practitioners, counselors, care managers, and other professionals dedicated to providing the most convenient, comprehensive, and high-quality care to combat the growing opioid epidemic.
