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When talking about the journey of recovery from substance use disorder, we often use the term “relapse” to describe someone who has returned to using a substance after a period of attempted recovery.

Representatives of the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) recently attended a September county commissioners meeting, in recognition of National Recovery Month. They thanked commissioners for funding services that support prevention, treatment and recovery from substance use disorder.

Over 100 overdoses were reported at Reading hospitals over the weekend of September 11 & 12, due to a illegal cocktail of heroin, fentanyl, xylazine (a horse tranquilizer) and an unknown substance.

National Recovery Month, held every September, celebrates the gains made by those in long-term recovery from addiction. Now in its 32nd year, National Recovery Month raises awareness of new treatment and recovery practices and recognizes the dedication of service providers and community members who help make recovery possible.

International Overdose Awareness Day is the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember without stigma those who have died, and acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind.

The term self-care refers to actions a person takes to promote their own well-being. Activities like yoga, exercise, healthy eating, and maintaining social connections all contribute to our self-care.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro held a press conference at the Berks Rise Center on April 13, highlighting the state’s LETI (Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative) program. The Council on Chemical Abuse’s Blue CARES – Next Step program is a part of that initiative, and Berks is one of only seven counties in the state currently participating.

On March 31, Berks County Commissioners and local experts gave an update on the opioid crisis, which has been negatively impacted by the pandemic. While much of the news wasn’t good, with an unfortunate increase in overdose deaths, presenters stressed that treatment and support remain available in the county.

In Pennsylvania, nearly all outpatient treatment providers of substance use disorder now offer telehealth services. That means patients can access treatment without an inpatient visit.

We’ve compiled a list of recovery-based apps that can be downloaded onto your phone to help you stay connected to a recovery support community and meet your own recovery goals. All of the apps listed are available on Google Android and Apple iOS. Best of all, these apps are free.