NASHVILLE, Tenn. — State Rep. Bryan Terry, MD, R-Murfreesboro, and State Rep. Mike Sparks, R-Smyrna, seek to raise awareness of addiction, mental health and treatment that is available during National Recovery Month.
“All too often, people with mental health and substance abuse problems struggle in silence,” Terry said. “We want people to know that effective treatment and services available. National Recovery Month is about celebrating the achievements of those who are healing. With support, it is possible to live a healthy and productive life.”
Started in 1989, National Recovery Month is held every September to help promote and support treatment and recovery practices along with the recovery community and those who make all forms of recovery possible.
According to a 2020 report from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 58.7 percent of individuals nationwide aged 12 or older had used tobacco, alcohol or an illicit drug within the past month. In all, there were 41.1 million people within that same age range who needed treatment for substance use within the previous year.
“Education and community support are vital for recovery,” Sparks said. “I encourage anyone who has battled addiction and triumphed over it to use their story to help others. Together, we can bring positive change to our community.”
In Tennessee, there were 3,032 drug overdose deaths during 2020, according to the Tennessee Department of Health. Of those, 126 occurred in Rutherford County.
Residents seeking more information about addiction and available treatment are encouraged to attend Rutherford Recovery Fest on Saturday, Sept. 17. The free annual event will be held at Family Worship Center, located at 3045 Memorial Blvd. in Murfreesboro, from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The church is one of 22 faith-based recovery congregations in Rutherford County that have been certified by the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services.
If you or a loved one need a referral to substance abuse treatment services, contact Tennessee Redline at 800-889-9789. Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis should call the Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line at 1-855-274-7471.
For information about substance abuse treatment and recovery options, visit the Tennessee Department of Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services website at www.tn.gov/behavioral-health.