September is a month that feels like a significant milestone for those who are on the path to addiction recovery. The reason is that it marks two vital observances that impact our lives and our community — National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month.

These dates are symbolic markers on each of our personal timelines that reflect the struggles we've survived and the milestones we've reached. They are a reminder that, while the journey may be fraught with challenges, we're not walking this path alone.

This month, we'll explore these observances in order to encourage you to maintain your course of recovery or even redefine it. Because in the quest for recovery and mental well-being, every step counts.

Did you know that National Recovery Month has been an annual observance since 1989? That's over three decades of spotlighting the importance of substance use treatment and mental health services in enabling a fulfilling life. This initiative, backed by SAMHSA, has catalyzed numerous initiatives and grant fundings specifically targeted to support long-term recoveries like ours.

This month isn't just a time for reflection — it's a prompt for action. SAMHSA’s Recovery Month Toolkit offers a range of evidence-based practices that can guide you on the path to sustained recovery. From community events to distributing essential information, the Toolkit is designed to empower you in your journey through recovery.

In our community, we each face our own unique challenges, but we all share the same goal: to live a life free from the grip of addiction. Let's use this month to redouble our efforts, drawing strength from the supportive network we have here at Siyan.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Recovery Month

Join a local event celebrating recovery or take the initiative to host your own gathering.

Use the hashtag #recoverymonth on social media to share photos or updates on events you attend or support.

Pen a letter to your local representatives advocating for official proclamations in honor of Recovery Month.

Wear recovery-themed apparel like masks, hoodies, or t-shirts to visibly show your support.

Download and circulate Recovery Month emblems, web banners, or letterheads to amplify awareness.

Understanding the Risks

Believe it or not, more than 700,000 people die from suicide every year. In fact, suicide is the 4th leading cause of death among those aged 15–29. For those of us on the journey of OUD recovery, this issue resonates deeply. Substance abuse is known to be a significant risk factor for suicidal thoughts and actions, making this topic particularly urgent for our community.

September, particularly the week following Labor Day, is a concentrated effort to make a change. National Suicide Prevention Month culminates in World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10, helping us to switch our focus from grim statistics to prevention and hope.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) and the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline encourage us to be part of the solution. Their campaign, #BeThe1To, outlines actions that each of us can take to be a lifeline for others.

And you can actually take part in saving lives—research shows that even a simple question about someone's well-being can make a world of difference. So, let's use this month to amplify this message—because together, we can save lives.

5 Ways to Celebrate National Recovery Month

National Suicide Prevention Month: A month-long effort in September where mental health supporters and communities rally to increase awareness about suicide prevention.

National Suicide Prevention Week: Occurs in the week surrounding World Suicide Prevention Day, serving as a time to share resources and raise awareness.

World Suicide Prevention Day: Takes place on September 10, focusing on remembrance and targeted treatment for those most in need.

How to Get Involved

At Siyan, we’re committed to supporting your recovery journey during National Recovery Month and National Suicide Prevention Month. Your involvement is crucial. Whether it's attending a workshop, sharing your story, or simply offering a listening ear, every action counts. Get involved with Siyan today, because every voice, every story, and every life matters!

Announcements

This monthly Recovery Newsletter is now a part of our new endeavor to become a Certified Community Behavioral Health Program (CCBHC), funded by SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration). Topics will range from addressing managing mental health as well as substance abuse. To learn more about Siyan becoming a CCBHC, please visit: https://siyanresearch.org/CCBHC/

NEW September 2023 - Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Siyan Care

If you or a loved one are seeking support on the path to recovery, we are here to help. There are times when individuals are faced with crises or an increase in psychiatric symptoms and hospitalization is not necessary or no longer required, but outpatient services such as weekly or biweekly therapy appointments are not sufficient to meet the individual’s needs.

In these situations, Siyan Care offers IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) levels of care. IOP is appropriate as a step up when other therapy and psychiatric support services are not sufficient in managing symptoms or providing needed structure and support. IOP meets 3 days per week for 3 hours per day of group therapy, with 1:1 counseling sessions and monthly psychiatry appointments for medication management. To learn more about Siyan Care, please visit: https://siyanclinical.com/intensive-outpatient-program-iop/

If you or someone you love would like to schedule an evaluation to see whether you are a fit for the CCBHC program, please contact us at 707-206-7268 or email psychresearch@siyanclinical.com to enroll. We are accepting new patients and accept most insurances including Medi-Cal and Medicare for our CCBHC program.

Every conversation is confidential and we offer telehealth. One day at a time.

Sincerely,

The CCBHC Team

Disclaimer: This product was supported [in part] by grant number H79SM086652 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The content of this publication does not necessarily reflect the views or polices of SAMHSA or the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

SIYAN CLINICAL RESEARCH | [CCBHC]