Recovery Month seeks to involve multiple participants from every sector, as substance abuse and treatment is an issue that affects everyone. In recent years, Recovery Month activities have grown significantly and include participation by state and local government agencies, national and local constituency organizations in the alcohol and drug addiction field, public and private addiction treatment providers, CSAT grantees, civic and elected officials, and consumers of treatment services and their family members who are interested in improving and increasing addiction treatment and recovery services.

During Recovery Month various celebrations are held across the country. Recovery Month activities are numerous and vary according to the resources and effort put forth by the national and local sponsors. CSAT hosts a national kick-off media event in Washington, D.C. and a live web chat concerning Recovery Month and treatment. Activities held at the local level include community forums at which experts and legislators host a dialogue about local addiction treatment issues; health and information fairs sponsored by concerned community organizations; Run/Walk events; and other activities which include the placement of special news features about people in recovery and the promotion of radio and television coverage about addiction treatment-related issues.

No effort is too small. Anyone can get involved. Following are only a few examples.

CSAT produces and distributes a Recovery Month kit to various national and local organizations; Federal, state and local government agencies and officials; grantees; professional treatment associations; and private treatment organizations. The Recovery Month kit is a user-friendly, comprehensive package of materials designed to assist the recipient with outreach to local media, key constituency groups, and special audiences. The kit is also filled with resources for individuals seeking substance abuse and treatment-related information. In addition to the kit, Recovery Month posters (large format) and flyers (small format) are produced to advertise and promote the celebration.

Recovery Month also hosts an interactive web site where materials may be downloaded or ordered, news is distributed, and events are posted by locality.

Public Service Announcements for television, radio and print media are produced to highlight the effectiveness of treatment and to encourage those in need of treatment to seek help. CSAT's National Helpline at  1-800-662-HELP, a 24-hour, 7-day-a-week Helpline that offers free and confidential substance abuse and addiction-related information and treatment referrals is also highlighted.

National, state and local governments are encouraged to produce proclamations, dedicating September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month in their jurisdictions.