National Recovery Month: Support, resources are available to those battling addiction

September marks National Recovery Month – a time to promote recovery and support those seeking it.

For people who have been or are being treated for addiction, September is an important time to recognize and celebrate recovery.

"It's a daily grind," said Jennifer Whitefield. "I've been in recovery for over 18 years, but it is still something that I practice every day."

Dr. Letitia Hazel is the chief medical officer at SouthLight, an addiction treatment center in the Triangle. She said it's important to remember that recovery is not linear, and everyone's process looks different.

"What are your support systems?" Hazel asked. "What works best for you? And coach them that way. And also let them know that we don't expect them to be perfect.

"We know it's a couple steps forward and a few steps back. For each person that looks different."

Hazel said escaping addiction may seem like an uphill battle, but it's possible for everyone.

"People are afraid or embarrassed to say that something is wrong," she said. "They also don't know that there is support and resources. They just think they're out there on their own. But there are a lot of places out there, just like SouthLight, that are ready and able and just waiting to help."

After being in recovery for nearly 20 years, Whitefield encourages others to keep trying no matter how challenging it may seem.

"There were attempts that I felt like were failures," she said. "But that was me putting in the work."

According to the National Survey Of Substance Abuse Treatment Services, North Carolina has 400 treatment facilities that are open and ready to help.