September is Recovery Month Published Sept. 20, 2012 By Master Sgt. Thelma Mayden-Hamm 509th Medical Operations Squadron Mental Health Flight Chief WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. -- September is National Recovery Month, an observance designed to promote the societal benefits of prevention, treatment, and recovery for mental and substance use disorders. Sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Recovery Month helps spread the positive message that behavioral health is essential to overall health; that prevention works; treatment is effective and people can, and do, recover. According to mental health professionals, conditions and addictions can occur in a variety of forms and often together. They may exist in 'packages,' where emotional conditions and addictions are intertwined. These conditions can affect individuals without regard to education, income or even success in the workplace, and often are devastating to family and friends. Types of Addiction According to aboutrecovery.com, addiction is a persistent, compulsive dependence on a behavior or substance. Everyone is addicted to something, to some extent, at some point in their life. Addictions can include substance addictions such as tobacco, alcohol and drugs; "process" addictions, which are mood-altering behaviors or activities like gambling, sex, love, work, shopping, computers, cell phones, etc. Substance abuse affects an estimated 25 million Americans directly, and 40 million indirectly. Additionally, 15 million Americans struggle with sex addiction and 5.5 million with gambling problems, accumulating to an estimated 19 percent of the population. In total, 54.3 million Americans suffer from addiction. Of that, an estimated 10 million are affected by co-occurring addictions and emotional problems. However, there is hope for recovery through appropriate treatment and services. Addictions and emotional complications are biological just like heart disease or diabetes. Like other medical conditions, these require professional attention preferably where both are treated in the same setting and by the same treatment provider. The likelihood of a successful recovery is enhanced if the whole person is treated. One of many websites to learn more is available on aboutrecovery.com. Individuals can also contact the Mental Health or ADAPT Clinic at 687-4341 for more information. In support of Recovery Month, the following events are being held throughout the local communities: Sept. 21 from 1-2 p.m. - The University of Central Missouri's Pre-Marriage and Family Therapy Club is hosting a recovery month event featuring Joe Hahne, an advocate for the Missouri Recovery Network advocate and a UCM alum. In this program, Mr. Hahne will highlight the importance of recovery services by sharing his personal experiences of addiction and recovery. The event will be held in UCM's Lovinger Building, room 4170. Sept. 22, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. - The Recovery Lighthouse, in collaboration with several local agencies, is hosting a "Friends In Recovery" event to celebrate recovery. Free food and live music will be provided. The Recovery Lighthouse is located at 107 East Culton Street, Warrensburg, Mo. Additionally, a new peer-to-peer recovery group is forming at UCM. For more information email info@recoveryatcentral.org or call 660-429-9689.