GADSDEN– The Etowah County Sheriff’s Office is encouraging residents to seek help for addiction during National Recovery Month this September.

In a community message, Sheriff Jonathon Horton and the agency highlighted local treatment providers and statewide referral services. The office also described treatment available inside the county detention center.

“Recovery is possible, and no one has to face it alone,” the sheriff’s office said in its message.

The appeal comes during a national observance that recognizes people in recovery, their families, and those who provide treatment and support.

How National Recovery Month Began

The observance began in 1989 as Treatment Works Month, according to the California Department of Health Care Services. Initially, it honored professionals working in substance use treatment.

In 1998, the observance became National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. That change expanded its focus to recognize the accomplishments of people in recovery. Then, in 2011, it became National Recovery Month, broadening its scope to include mental health.

Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes September as an opportunity to celebrate recovery and promote effective treatment. The observance also recognizes the providers and communities that help people sustain progress.

What Recovery Means

Recovery involves health, stability, relationships, and the ability to build a meaningful life.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, identifies four dimensions that support recovery: health, home, purpose, and community. Its framework includes managing health conditions, having safe housing, pursuing meaningful activities, and building supportive relationships. A National Academies report explains those dimensions and the agency’s approach.

For example, meaningful activities can include employment, education, volunteering, or caring for family. The framework also recognizes that people follow different paths to recovery.

Meanwhile, the National Institute on Drug Abuse describes substance use disorders as chronic, treatable medical conditions. Treatment can help people reduce or stop substance use and regain their ability to function at home, work, and in their communities.

Support in the Community and Detention Center

As part of its Recovery Month message, the sheriff’s office said its detention center now offers a medication-assisted treatment program. The office described the program as a way to help people in custody take steps toward recovery.

Medications have an established role in treating certain substance use disorders. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, some medications reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings. Treatment can also include individual, group, or family counseling.

In its release, the sheriff’s office named Cherokee/Etowah/DeKalb Mental Health Center, NewLife for Women, and BHG Gadsden Treatment Center as local resources. The release lists 256-549-0807 for Cherokee/Etowah/DeKalb Mental Health Center and identifies the other two providers as Gadsden resources.

CED’s work also reaches neighboring communities. In a May interview with WEIS, its executive director discussed services and access to care across Cherokee, Etowah, and DeKalb counties.

Where Residents Can Start

For residents unsure where to turn, the sheriff’s office also shared these resources:

• SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357: The free, confidential service operates 24 hours a day and provides treatment referrals and information for individuals and families.
• 211 Alabama — Dial 211: The statewide referral service helps callers connect with local mental health, substance use, and other community resources.
• ConnectAL: The release directs residents to VitAL Alabama for help finding behavioral health treatment. Its Connect Alabama app allows users to locate mental health and substance use services based on their needs and location.

The sheriff’s office encouraged residents to reach out for themselves or someone they love.

“Addiction affects families across every corner of our county, but recovery is possible, and support is closer than you think,” the agency said.

AREA NEWS