Good morning ~

September is National Recovery Month. Recognized annually since 1989, this effort encourages us to consider how recovery is possible and how multiple pathways of recovery exist to support one's wellness journey.

Millions of people report they are in recovery from substance use disorder, according to research conducted by Dr. John Kelly, Founder and Director of the Recovery Research Institute.

But what does it mean to be in recovery?

The concept of recovery is complicated. By its very definition," a return to a normal state of mind, health, or state," implies something is wrong or needs to be corrected. However, when one examines SAMHSA's Four Dimensions of Recovery - Health, Home, Purpose, and Community, one can see how this model is consistent with the five domains associated with Social Determinants of Health, which are as follows:

• Economic Stability: Income, employment, and poverty. 
• Education Access and Quality: Educational attainment, literacy, and access to quality education. 
• Health Care Access and Quality: Health insurance coverage, access to healthcare services, and quality of healthcare received. 
• Neighborhood and Built Environment: Housing quality and affordability, access to safe and healthy food, crime rates, and pollution levels. 
• Social and Community Context: Social support networks, community cohesion, discrimination and prejudice, and access to community resources.

Essentially, there is a universal recognition that all human beings, regardless of their race, gender, economic, political, religious, social, or health status, deserve the opportunity to access services and systems that can improve the quality of life for themselves and their loved ones.

But for individuals impacted by addiction, their recovery journeys are often not linear and are frequently marred by stigma, despite all the incredible gains in our collective understanding of addiction as a complex brain disease.

Here are some examples:

• Individuals with drug offenses on their criminal record can face challenges in obtaining housing and meaningful employment.
• Pregnant or new mothers who are prescribed addiction medicine by their medical provider can be reported to their state's child welfare agency to be investigated for abuse or neglect.
• Medical providers can dismiss legitimate medical concerns of their patients if they are aware of a history of drug or alcohol misuse.
• Family members, especially children, can be stigmatized if a parent or caregiver is known to be impacted by addiction, which can affect how they are treated in educational and neighborhood settings.

This is why it is crucial to understand how recovery works.

As you can see from the chart below, created by the Recovery Research Institute, there are five stages of change in the recovery process. Dr. Kelley's further research in this area found that it can take over five "serious attempts" before one considers themselves in recovery or in remission from substance use disorder. This can take years, in many instances.

So, how can we help as the recovery process unfolds?

First, demonstrate empathy. As Dr. Dawn Nickel, the co-founder of the SHE RECOVERS Foundation, once said, "We are all recovering from something in our life." This is a universal statement that will help us be empathetic when someone is courageous enough to share their struggles with substances.

Second, share resources. We are fortunate to have three peer recovery centers in our rural region. The North Quabbin Recovery Center, The RECOVER Project, and the Wildflower Alliance all offer a range of peer supports. The Massachusetts Substance Use Help Line provides free help and guidance to those concerned about their substance use. Loved ones can also contact them at 1-800-327-5050 or text "HOPE" to 800327. The Massachusetts Behavioral Health Help Line is also available at 1-833-773-2445 (BHHL) or by chat at www.masshelpline.com.

Third, use non-stigmatizing language. No one wants to be labeled. The Recovery Research Institute has developed a terrific online tool called the "Addictionary". It helps us all use terms to describe situations without demeaning anyone.

Fourth, be kind to yourself and others. These are challenging times, and many natural helping and other systems of care are under duress. Give yourself and others a moment of grace and understanding, practice radical self-care, and be kind. We truly never know what someone else is going through.

Thank you for being a part of our community and for all you do to support our efforts, not only during National Recovery Month but throughout the year.

Sincerely,

Register John F. Merrigan

 Northwestern District Attorney David E. Sullivan

Sheriff Lori M. Streeter

 Co-chairs, Opioid Task Force of Franklin County and the North Quabbin Region