"You can't go back and make a new start, but you can start right now and make a brand new ending."[1]

Observed every September, National Recovery Month promotes evidence-based treatment and fosters a strong community for individuals navigating substance use disorders. As part of this year’s theme, recovery stories are highlighted as a powerful tool that can reduce stigma and serve as an important reminder that healing is possible for everyone.  

According to data from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), tens of millions of Americans aged 12 and older need treatment for a substance use disorder each year. In 2025, only 16% of 47.2 million Americans received needed substance use treatment. Additionally, the National Institute on Drug Abuse reports that between 40% and 60% of individuals in recovery experience a relapse at some point, which is comparable to rates seen in other chronic relapsing medical conditions like diabetes or hypertension. While these statistics highlight the challenges facing individuals with substance use disorders, they also underscore the importance of accessible, coordinated care. Recovery is not a single event but a lifelong process that thrives when healthcare providers, community resources .and systems work together.

At ConcertoCare, we deploy a robust interdisciplinary approach to address substance use. This care model includes leveraging a combination of screening tools to identify substance use and misuse, providing brief interventions to promote healthy living and harm reduction strategies, and facilitating referrals to specialized treatment for ongoing support.

ConcertoCare Model in Action

Mr. W is a 63-year-old gentleman who was discharged to a friend’s home after a brief hospitalization. At a post-discharge nursing visit, Mr. W discussed experiencing symptoms of depression, which led to a referral to the ConcertoCare licensed clinical social worker. During a comprehensive behavioral health assessment, Mr. W disclosed a 15-year history of alcohol and cocaine use. His use led to divorce and estrangement from his children. Mr. W reported struggling to maintain employment and a steady place to live for many years. He reported his use had decreased, but he still experienced urges that he found difficult to manage. To support his recovery journey, the social worker first listened non-judgmentally, then facilitated relapse prevention planning. Together, Mr. W and the social worker anticipated and prepared for high-risk situations, and identified additional community supports. Treatment goals were framed from a place of harm reduction and outcomes most meaningful to Mr. W, which included a goal to secure stable housing, reconnect with supportive family members, and renew confidence in his ability to maintain sobriety.

Recovery is not achieved in isolation. It is built through relationships, support, purpose, and hope. When healthcare providers, behavioral health clinicians, community organizations, and families work together, individuals are empowered to build healthier futures. Mr. W's story demonstrates that recovery is a journey but is possible, and that change can occur with the right support in place. At ConcertoCare, we believe that recovery is strongest when we work together to create opportunities for healing, connection, and renewed purpose.

[1] James R. Sherman, Rejection: How to Survive Rejection and Promote Acceptance (Pathway Books, 1982).