MONTGOMERY, Ala. (September 1, 2024) – The Council on Substance Abuse (COSA) is excited to announce its planned community events throughout September to recognize National Recovery Month. Observed nationally, National Recovery Month celebrates the gains made by those in recovery from substance use and mental health, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease.
This year’s theme is “Recovery. Hope. Healing.” “Recovery Month is an important opportunity for individuals, families, and communities to start a conversation about substance use disorders,” said COSA Executive Director Shereda Finch. “Through various activities and events, our goal is to celebrate the thousands of Alabamians who find the courage and strength to reclaim their lives from mental health and substance use conditions, and reach others who may need our help.”
Conversations on substance misuse are important now more than ever. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 1,492 Alabamians died from an overdose in 2022. The illicitly manufactured drug, fentanyl, is one of the major drivers of overdose deaths. Ms. Finch states, “With increased awareness and education about risks and protective factors, substance misuse can be prevented, starting with the youth. However, if you are experiencing a substance use disorder and want help, we are here.”
All of COSA’s events are FREE and open to the public. Recovery events are scheduled throughout the month. Peer-to-Peer Workshop (September 17), ¡Noche Latina! (September 18), Sober Saturday Football (September 21), Families Hoping and Coping in Recovery (September 24), COSA Karaoke & Game Night (September 25), and QPR Training for the Community (September 30). COSA is also hosting regularly scheduled recovery meetings each week in September. “Social media will be utilized as a valuable resource to connect with individuals who may be unable to attend any of the in-person meetings, reaching people where they are,” added Finch. For more information about Recovery Month events and recovery services offered, contact Jorge Anglin, Program Manager at
janglin@cosancadd.org or 334-262-1629.
About COSA: COSA is a private 501 (c)(3) non-profit organization founded in 1973 to promote the understanding that alcoholism and other drug dependence are preventable and treatable diseases. The organization’s mission is to “Reduce the incidence and prevalence of the disease of alcoholism, other drug addiction diseases and related problems.” For more information on COSA, visit
www.cosancadd.org or call us at 334-262-1629.
