National Recovery Month is being observed by the Department for National Drug Control throughout September.

The Department says it will educate Bermuda residents about substance use, treatment and mental health services, which can enable those with a mental and/or substance use disorder to live a healthy and rewarding life.

It aims to put out a message that behavioural health is essential to overall health, prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can and do recover.

Recovery Month is an American Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration programme.

The theme for Recovery Month 2017 is Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities, which highlights the value of family and community support throughout recovery and invites individuals in recovery and their family members to share their personal stories and successes in order to encourage others.

The Department will be celebrating those individuals and their families who are committed to living a healthy and drug free lifestyle.

Events include:

• September 20: Right Living House, open house and graduation

• September 25: Salvation Army Harbour Light programme, recovery walk and relay

• September 30: FOCUS, No Booze Cruise

For further information, telephone Dave Parker, treatment officer for the Department for National Drug Control, on 292-3049.