RECOVERY MONTH: Kids Deserve Their Own Recovery
September is National Recovery Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the efforts of those in recovery from substance use disorders and the communities that support them. At the National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA), we believe this month is also an opportunity to shine a light on the often overlooked hurt from the disease of addiction on children and families, and the essential need for their healing and recovery.
When a parent or caregiver struggles with any substance use disorder, the entire family feels the repercussions. Kids and teens in these environments often experience a range of emotional, psychological, and physical challenges. These children may face instability, neglect, or even abuse, which can lead to long-lasting effects on their development and well-being. And these children are at higher risk of developing addiction themselves. People in recovery deserve to heal from the impact of their families as well. National Recovery Month reminds us that recovery is not just for the individual but for the entire family.
NACoA Events During Recovery Month!
NACoA Online Event: Tweens & Teens Talk: Inside Out – September 10th
Calling all Tweens & Teens! Come dressed as your favorite character or wear your favorite character’s color! We’ll discuss highlights from the movie, all the feels, and what can happen when your emotions take over. Make some new friends and gain tips and strategies to help you manage your own emotions, so they don’t manage you!
If you missed last week’s webinar Exploring Emotions for Kids of Ages: An Inside Out Perspective, the recording and discussion guide are now available.
Through a Child’s Eyes: Understanding Addiction and Recovery – September 12th
Many children face multiple challenges growing up in families hurt by addiction to drugs and alcohol. All too often, kids are the first hurt and the last helped. This workshop, in West Palm Beach, FL, explores the healing stages for children and shares prevention strategies, key messages, and essential resources which can make a difference in their lives.
NACoA’s ACOA Education and Discussion Meeting
Double Recovery: Healing from Addiction and the Family Impact – September 12th
Addiction tends to run in families, and many COAs develop addiction themselves. Recovery from both the impact of the disease and the disease is possible. Learn about using perspective and perseverance to strengthen this “double recovery” as we nurture it in our families.
Doors To Hope: Helping Families Recovery From Addiction – September 15th
This program in Savannah, GA will offer a rich tapestry of knowledge, strategies and tools designed to empower anyone providing care and support to families affected by the disease of addiction. Attendees will be equipped to assist “the First Hurt and the Last Helped” by championing the cause of healing and family unity.
Tools for Parents and Caregivers
New Resource Available During Recovery Month
Tools for Parents and Caregivers -an updated resource that was originally known as NACoA’s Kit for Parents – will be a more comprehensive support for parents and caregivers! It includes other important caregivers such as grandparents, kin caregivers, and even older siblings and provides more information to help them support families. Look for an announcement coming soon!
September Advocacy: 988 Day and FASD Awareness Month
Important Campaigns for Families Impacted by the Disease of Addiction
988 Day – September 8th
With suicide as a leading cause of death, this is essential advocacy to help protect the people in our community. Suicide affects people of all ages and a great concern for our youth and young adults: among the top 9 for people ages 10 – 64 and the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-14 and 25-34. 988 Day serves as a national call to action to raise awareness about this vital service. It’s a reminder that mental health is just as important as physical health, and that seeking help is a sign of strength not weakness. Look for more information from NACoA on September 8th as we draw attention to important ways to support kids and teens.
FASD Awareness Month
FASD Awareness Month is devoted to raising awareness of fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) to improve prevention of FASD and diagnosis and support for individuals with FASD. Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASDs) are a group of diagnosable medical conditions that can occur in a person who was exposed to alcohol before birth. Effects are lifelong and can include mental health conditions, learning disabilities, sensory issues, and physical manifestations such as heart defects, hearing and visual impairments, and more. Look for more information from NACoA this month on the impact of the developing fetus, how parents can support their children with FASD, and how adults can learn more about FASD and it impact on their own lives.
Sis Wenger to Receive Faces and Voices of Recovery’s Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award - September 17th
NACoA is proud to announce that its Chair Emerita and long-time friend Sis Wenger has been named to receive Faces and Voices of Recovery’s Distinguished Lifetime Achievement Award at the September America Honors Recovery Gala Dinner. This esteemed award is presented in honor of William L. White, renowned recovery historian, author, and mobilizer. It recognizes significant contributions made to the recovery movement through outstanding advocacy, research, or policy reform.
