National Recovery Month is a time to remind every Delaware family that recovery is possible, and every step forward matters. In this Healthy Delaware segment from Good Morning Delaware, Ivan Thomas and Vincenza Carrieri-Russo talk about substance use and mental health recovery, and how families can find support close to home.
What Is National Recovery Month?
This national observance takes place every September. It honors people in recovery from substance use and mental health challenges, along with the family members, friends, and providers who stand beside them. Most of all, it sends a clear message: help is available, and no one has to face recovery alone.
Substance use and mental health challenges can affect any family, in any neighborhood, at any age. Talking about them openly helps break the silence and shame that too often keep people from asking for help. A simple, caring conversation can be the moment that changes everything for someone you love.
How to Support a Loved One in Recovery
In the segment, Ivan and Vincenza walk through signs that a loved one may need support and why compassion matters so much. If you are worried about someone you care about, these simple steps can help:
- Listen without judgment. Let them talk. Your calm, open ear can make it easier for them to be honest.
- Use kind, respectful words. Talk about the person, not a label. Words like “a person in recovery” show respect and hope.
- Learn about the options. Knowing what help is out there makes it easier to have a real conversation about next steps.
- Offer to help with the first step. Sometimes the hardest part is making the first call. Offer to sit with them while they do it.
- Take care of yourself, too. Supporting a loved one is hard work. Family members deserve support and rest as well.
There Are Many Paths to Recovery
Recovery does not look the same for everyone. For some people, it starts with a treatment program or counseling. For others, it grows through peer support, faith communities, support groups, or medical care. What matters most is finding the path that fits the person, and walking it with patience.
Setbacks can happen, and they do not erase progress. Every day of effort counts, which is why “Recovery is Possible” is more than a slogan. It is a promise worth sharing.
Recovery Resources in Delaware
Delaware families can connect with treatment referrals, support services, and recovery resources through the Behavioral Health Consortium and the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS). Here are places to start:
- Delaware Hope Line: Call 1-833-9-HOPEDE (1-833-946-7333) to be connected with behavioral health support and resources.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, any time, day or night.
- Help is Here Delaware: Find treatment, recovery, and prevention information at HelpIsHereDE.com.
- DHSS Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Explore state services at dhss.delaware.gov/dsamh.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Recovery Month?
Recovery Month is observed every year in September. It is a time to celebrate people in recovery and remind families that help is available.
Where can I find recovery resources in Delaware?
Start by calling the Delaware Hope Line at 1-833-9-HOPEDE (1-833-946-7333) or visiting HelpIsHereDE.com. If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988.
Who brings Healthy Delaware to DETV?
Healthy Delaware is a Good Morning Delaware segment on DETV, brought to you by the Behavioral Health Consortium.
Watch More Healthy Delaware on DETV
Want more trusted health conversations for Delaware families? Watch more Healthy Delaware and health stories on DETV, and share this segment with someone who needs to hear that recovery is possible.
