Recovery: A long-term process that needs support

SKOWHEGAN — One in 14 Americans reports experiencing a substance use disorder (SUD). There is not one single driving factor that leads to SUD. Some people may use drugs to help cope with stress, trauma, or to help with mental health issues. Some may even develop opioid use disorder (OUD) after misusing opioids they are prescribed by doctors. In any case, using drugs over time makes it easier to develop SUD/OUD.
What is recovery?
Recovery is a long-term process. People suffering from SUD/OUD have trouble controlling their drug use even though they know drugs are harmful. During recovery, the brain is adjusting to natural levels of dopamine. Recovery is not always a straight path and can take multiple attempts.
How can you support recovery in our community?
Connect with Somerset Public Health’s Pathways to Recovery team, Linda MacKenzie, Lmackenzie@rfgh.net or Betsy Richard, Brichard@rfgh.net to learn more about initiatives like Recovery Friendly Workplaces or Recovery Community Centers. Recovery can be challenging, but it is possible with the support of a caring community.
Find Somerset Public Health Online at somersetpublichealth.org, Facebook.com/SomersetPublicHealth or on Instagram at @SomersetPublicHealth.
Somerset Public Health is a coalition of staff members, community members, organizations, and businesses working together to improve health in Somerset County. Our goal is to make Somerset County a healthier place to live and work for the families we serve. We strive to make this happen by:
· Improving nutrition
· Increasing physical activity
· Stopping tobacco use
· Preventing substance misuse
· Promoting the responsible use of alcohol
To do all of this, we need your help. We work with community members, schools, workplaces, child-care centers, service groups, and other community groups to make the places we visit every day healthier.