National Recovery Month: Successful Treatment and Recovery is Possible
Key Takeaways
- Federal survey data shows that 22.3 million US adults consider themselves recovering from a drug or alcohol problem, strong evidence that addiction treatment works.
- However, most people who need substance use disorder treatment never receive it, often because of cost, stigma, or simply not knowing where to call first.
- National Recovery Month is observed every September to recognize and celebrate the strength of people in recovery from substance use disorders.
- Comprehensive, effective care includes detox, crisis stabilization, residential treatment, and outpatient counseling.
- Pioneer Human Services provides all four levels of care across Washington state for adults with substance use and/or co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders. In 2025, 90% of their detox clients were referred to treatment.
Taking the first step toward substance use recovery can feel overwhelming, but no person has to walk this path alone. Every September, National Recovery Month serves as a national reminder that addiction is a treatable health condition, prevention works, and thousands of individuals rebuild their lives in recovery every single day.
What You Need to Know About Detox & Treatment
Pioneer provides safe, supportive, and evidence-based services designed to meet you where you are:
- Detox and withdrawal management: The Ituha Stabilization Facility in Oak Harbor, Skagit Crisis Stabilization Center in Sedro-Woolley, and Whatcom Detox center in Bellingham give adults a supervised, supportive setting to withdraw from alcohol or drugs safely, which is often the first medical step before any other treatment can begin.
- Crisis and stabilization services: The Spokane Regional Stabilization Center, the Ituha Stabilization Facility, and the King County and Snohomish County Diversion Centers serve people in acute crisis, including those who would otherwise land in an emergency room or a jail cell.
- Residential treatment: Pioneer Center East in Spokane offers intensive inpatient treatment for men with chronic substance use and co-occurring mental health disorders. The King County Residential Treatment Program and the North Sound Behavioral Health Treatment Center in Everett serve adults with the same dual diagnosis.
- Outpatient treatment: Pioneer Counseling at the Emerson Clinic in Spokane provides outpatient counseling and recovery support so people can keep working, parenting, and living at home while in treatment.
Where to start
- Pioneer Human Services Treatment Programs: Residential, detox, crisis, and outpatient care across Washington
- Washington Recovery Help Line (866-789-1511): Free and confidential, 24/7
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
- FindTreatment.gov: Search treatment programs nationwide
Pioneer also connects clients to housing and job training.
Recovery is possible for every person, family, and community. September is a good month to make the call.
History of Recovery Month
Every September, treatment providers, recovery community organizations, and families mark National Recovery Month, also known as National Alcohol & Drug Addiction Recovery Month. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) started the observance in 1989 to raise public awareness of mental health and addiction recovery. Faces & Voices of Recovery now hosts the Recovery Month website and event calendar, working alongside the agency, and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) publishes a partner toolkit each year.