National Recovery Month, observed every September, is dedicated to promoting awareness and support for those recovering from mental health conditions and substance use disorders (SUDs). Veterans and service members experience distinct and significant stressors that impact higher rates of behavioral health conditions among them, including deployment, combat exposure, traumatic brain injury, and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life. Substance use can become a coping mechanism for dealing with these stressors. Addressing the unique challenges around SUDs requires unique approaches that consider individual experiences.

Holistic approaches are tailored to address both the physical and mental health aspects of recovery for an individual. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a wide array of evidence-based treatments for SUDs, including medications and a variety of well-known therapeutic interventions, but less mainstream holistic therapies also used to support SUD recovery are often overlooked.

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  • Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) practices have been used successfully to support substance use recovery, most commonly in conjunction with or as a supplement to traditional clinical treatments (Zgierska and Burzinski, 2014). While most CAM practices have not been the focus of robust research, practices such as mindful meditation, massage, and qi gong have been linked to reductions in withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, and cravings. The overall belief is that complementary, holistic practices provide additional and enjoyable tools for the mind and the body to support recovery from SUD and other behavioral health experiences.

  • Occupational therapists (OTs) practice holistic recovery as they tailor their clinical interventions to the individual’s interests, habits, and roles, ensuring that the recovery process is relevant and motivating. They help individuals develop essential life skills that are often impacted by substance use, such as time management, financial planning, and self-care routines. Working with OTs, individuals will identify strengths, values, resources, and challenges in order to help them implement plans for recovery.

  • Art therapy encompasses many forms of practice, including painting, sculpting, writing, and acting. It is a versatile treatment that provides participants the opportunity to explore and resolve issues they may find difficult to discuss in traditional therapy. CreatiVets is an example of one Veteran-run organization that was created to support recovery and well-being for Veterans through music and other artistic modalities. In honor of Recovery Month, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA’s) Office of Recovery is offering a virtual event highlighting the impactful role that art and creative expression can play in substance use and mental health recovery. The link to register is included in the Calendar of Events section below.

This month, please join us in recognizing the strength and resilience of service members, Veterans, and their families and appreciate all of the possible tools available to build a strong foundation for long-term recovery and well-being.

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