September is National Recovery Month: Celebrating the Power of Connection and the Reality of Recovery

BHDD promotes awareness, reduces stigma and shares resources to support recovery

Contact:
Jimmy Mount
jmount@osus.bhdd.sc.gov

Columbia, SC – August 28, 2025 – The South Carolina Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (BHDD) Office of Substance Use Services (OSUS) is proud to join communities across the nation in observing National Recovery Month this September in support of the nearly 400,000 South Carolinians who are living in recovery from a substance use disorder (SUD).

National Recovery Month, led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), highlights evidence-based treatment, peer support and community engagement as essential components of recovery. The national observance also seeks to reduce stigma, which often prevents individuals from reaching out for help.

In South Carolina, Governor Henry McMaster has proclaimed September as Recovery Month throughout the state, encouraging all South Carolinians to embrace recovery and help build stronger, healthier communities.

“Recovery is happening in every corner of South Carolina,” said Sara Goldsby, Office Director of OSUS. “When we talk about recovery openly, we replace judgment with understanding, and isolation with connection. That’s when people feel safe to ask for help, and that’s when recovery begins.”

Throughout the month, OSUS and its network of state and local partners will host events aimed at raising awareness, reducing stigma and sharing stories of hope from individuals in recovery across the state. Events will include community walks, family-friendly festivals and more. A full list of events can be found at http://www.embracerecoverysc.com/recovery-month.

Understanding the Recovery Journey

Recovery is not a single event – it is a process that looks different for everyone. It may involve treatment, counseling, peer support, medication, faith-based programs or a combination of approaches. Recovery also includes rebuilding relationships, finding purpose and reconnecting with community.

OSUS Recovery Resources and Initiatives

• Statewide Recovery Support: Access to local treatment providers, counseling and peer recovery coaches in every South Carolina county
• Peer Support Groups: Individuals with lived experience who provide guidance, encouragement and advocacy for those seeking recovery
• Collegiate Recovery Programs: Recovery community organizations that provide a safe, judgement-free space for students to support one another
• Naloxone Access and Training: Free naloxone kits and overdose response training to save lives and connect people to treatment

Take the First Step

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, help is available. For more information about local treatment and recovery resources, visit www.embracerecoverysc.com or contact (803) 896-5555.

About the BHDD Office of Substance Use Services

The Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities' Office of Substance Use Services ensures the availability and quality of a continuum of substance use services to improve the health status, safety and quality of life of individuals, families and communities across South Carolina. For more information, visit bhdd.sc.gov/office-substance-use-services.