San Diego City Wire

San Diego County News Center

September is National Recovery Month, and County Behavioral Health Services (BHS) is inviting community members and organizations to unite in support of the recovery community. National Recovery Month aims to raise awareness about mental health and addiction recovery while celebrating the recovery community. It supports both those currently on their recovery journey and individuals still struggling with addiction.

Evidence-based treatment and recovery practices are available to assist people battling substance use and mental health disorders.

BHS has suggested five ways to observe National Recovery Month. One suggestion includes sharing a spotlight story about a person with lived experience in recovery or an organization that has made a difference in someone's recovery journey. BHS is collecting these stories to highlight the resilience and spectrum of recovery within the community, with submissions being highlighted throughout the year.

“Every recovery story is unique and powerful,” said Luke Bergmann, Director of County Behavioral Health Services. “When people join together and share their stories with one another, it can provide strength and accountability, but more importantly, it fosters a sense of connection and healing among the recovery community. It also helps reduce the stigma often associated with mental illness and substance use, encouraging more people to seek the supports they may need.”

The County’s Behavioral Health Services provides mental health and substance use disorder services to more than 111,000 San Diego County residents of all ages.

If you or someone you care about is in crisis or would like behavioral health resources or support, including accessing Mobile Crisis Response Teams (MCRT), please call the Access and Crisis Line at (888) 724-7240 or 9-8-8 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week). Calls are answered by experienced counselors, with assistance available in over 200 languages.