2010 Recovery Month Toolkit is Now Available!

Want to plan an event for teens celebrating and promoting recovery from substance abuse? Want ideas from others?
SAMHSA recently released a toolkit to help individuals and organizations plan recovery events in conjunction with Recovery Month 2010, and to provide you with tools and educational materials to distribute in your community.
As we discussed in a previous post, 2010 marks Recovery Month’s 21st year, and we are celebrating with the theme “Join the Voices of Recovery: Now More Than Ever!” The theme emphasizes how high levels of stress may contribute to or exacerbate alcohol or drug use, which can lead to a substance use disorder or relapse. The toolkit also raises awareness about the increasing level of stress in society and the impact it has on addiction.
 
The toolkit, available online and in hard copy, is divided into three sections: media outreach, targeted outreach, and resources. The media outreach section includes tips and template documents to help plan and promote your events. The targeted outreach section provides details about substance use disorders that are tailored for specific audiences. The resource section shares information to help you prepare for events and suggests organizations in which you could consider partnering.

 
As you begin planning a Recovery Month event, the toolkit is your go-to guide to developing materials and finding guidance to execute a successful event. If you plan an event, be sure to add it to the Recovery Month web site to help share details about and promote the event.
 
Ideas for Youth-Focused Recovery Events

To see what other events are scheduled for this year, or to find inspiration for an event, visit the Recovery Month website. This year, several organizations have already planned or held youth-focused events. Check out the following events to get ideas for your own event or plan to attend and support Recovery Month 2010!
 
Kicking for Recovery
September 25, 2010 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm
East Picnic Grounds/Como Park Pavillion @ Como Park
St. Paul, MN
The event will feature a kickball tournament and live music. It is sponsored by Association of Recovery Schools, INSIGHT Recovery High School, City West Academy Recovery High School, MN Dept of Human Services, MN Recovery Connection, and National Youth Recovery Foundation.
 
Past youth events include:
 
Teens Using Drugs: What To Know and What To Do
February 9, 2010 7:30 pm – 9:00 pm
St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Education Center
Ypsilanti, MI
The event was a two-part workshop series designed to help participants learn to understand, identify and address adolescent alcohol/other drug problems.

 

About the Author: Sarah Ikenberry is a Public Health Advisor at SAMHSA.