National Recovery Month Highlights Recovery Services for Substance Use in Health Care Law

United Methodists encouraged to participate in the monthlong observance

Increasing public awareness about expanded access to recovery services for substance use and mental disorders in the landmark US health care plan is the focus of this year's National Recovery Month, observed during the month of September.

United Methodist congregations are encouraged to observe National Recovery Month, which will coincide with the launch of SPSARV's yearlong global awareness campaign, "Speak About It!"

Each September, the monthlong observance raises awareness about substance use and mental disorders and celebrates individuals in long-term recovery and recovery ministries and service organizations. Overall, the observance underscores the fact that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people can recover from substance use and mental disorders.

This year's theme is "Join the Voices for Recovery: Recovery Benefits Everyone." The month emphasizes that:

All Americans can access provisions within the Affordable Care Act and Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act (MHPAEA). The provision requires most group health plans to provide coverage for the treatment of substance use and mental illnesses, comparable to other physical illnesses.
Public awareness will increase access for individuals in need of essential substance use and mental health treatment and recovery support services, including behavioral health treatment.
Legislative changes will improve the overall health and well-being of people in the United States.

In 2009, 4.3 million people aged 12 or older received treatment for substance use disorders, and 30.2 million adults aged 18 or older received services for mental health problems, according to the 2009 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Worldwide, the World Health Organization estimates that 2.5 million people die each year due to alcohol use, and 15.3 million people have a drug dependence.

Substance abuse and mental health problems, including depression and other mental illnesses, are both major public health concerns in the United States. Nearly 20.9 million people aged 12 or older are in need of substance-use-disorder treatment, but did not receive treatment.

"It's a real tragedy that millions of Americans in need of recovery services do not access these essential services," said Antonietta Wilson, executive secretary of SPSARV. "By observing National Recovery Month, SPSARV hopes United Methodist congregations will learn more about the new health provisions to expand access to prevention, treatment, and recovery support services for individuals battling with alcohol and other drugs."

The Affordable Care Act along with the Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act (MHPAEA) require employer health insurance plans that cover substance use and mental health treatment to provide services at parity with other medical and surgical benefits. The employer health plans must be 50 or more employees.

Additionally, eligibility for Medicaid will be expanded, and newly eligible parents and childless adults will receive basic benefits, including substance use and mental health services.

Please visit SPSARV's website for details on ways congregations can observe National Recovery Month at www.umspsarv.org.