September is National Recovery Month. Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by millions of Americans whose lives have been transformed through recovery. This year’s theme, “Recovery is for Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community” reminds us that no one is alone in their journey through recovery. Everyone’s journey is different, but we are all in this together.

• Over 20 million Americans battle the disease of addiction every year – more than half of them struggle with mental health disorders as well.
• 2020 was the deadliest year on record with over 93,300 overdose deaths, averaging 250 each day – an increase of 30% over 2019.
• Nearly half of all adults have dealt with substance abuse in their families.

Mark’s Story

I came into St. Christopher’s in May of 2017. I had nothing except the clothes on my back. My spirit was broken, and I had nowhere to go. Something started to change within me during my 3 months stay. I slowly began to see the beauty in the world. My soul was coming to life and at some point, I became willing to change and began to envision a life of recovery for myself. SCI blessed me with hope. Hope is what kept me alive when I was lost. The day I separated I made a meeting the day I left. I have been clean since May 2017 and have an amazing life today. I have a wife with 2 kids, an amazing career and I own my own home today. None of this would be possible if I had decided NOT to walk into those doors that rainy day in May, 4 years ago. I look back on my time there with love and gratitude in my heart and continue to share my experience there with others seeking recovery. -Mark N. (St. Christopher’s Inn Alumni)