Recovery Month can also be a time of joy and celebration. Recovery Communities of New Mexico (RCoNM) have put together a robust calendar of events throughout the state celebrating recovery in all its forms this month. RCoNM is an informal collaboration of our state’s local recovery advocates who promote recovery from substance use disorder and other behavioral illnesses. Their goal is to celebrate every New Mexican in recovery, reduce stigma, provide resources and encourage those struggling to seek peer support and recovery. 

Each year, more than a dozen New Mexico communities throughout the state unite and join together to celebrate recovery and healing from substance misuse, mental illness, and a myriad of other conditions. This year, a record 20 New Mexico communities are hosting Recovery Celebrations! Click here to view the event calendar, with a complete listing of events in New Mexico. Events are free and family-friendly, and range from traditional dances to art and food, car shows, movie screenings, and more diverse, engaging events that capture the spirit of New Mexican recovery culture.  

The Office of Peer Recovery and Engagement (OPRE) within the New Mexico Human Services Department, Behavioral Health Services Division (BHSD) is a vital component of many multi-disciplinary teams statewide to help bridge the gap in available recovery services by offering peer-based support. Leaning into their lived experience, Peer Workers inspire hope and belief that recovery is possible. Their Certified Peer Worker Training program engages individuals in successful long-term recovery and mental health maintenance to help others in their own recovery process. Sign up for their weekly newsletter here.

BHSD is actively working to expand access to substance misuse treatment, bolster the healthcare provider workforce and increase access to community-based behavioral health services for children and other underserved populations. The brand new BHSD website is the current hub connecting New Mexicans to treatment and care. The HSD/ BHSD Behavioral Health Planning Council includes volunteers from communities across the state, boosting the voice of individuals, family members, advocates and providers to improve substance use disorder prevention, treatment and recovery support services in every part of the state.

Our sister campaign, Dose of Reality, seeks to educate and remind us all that recovery is possible, and that it’s a chance to change your life. Recovery benefits everyone—families, friends, neighbors, and the person who seeks it. It is a reality for thousands of New Mexicans of all ages, ethnic backgrounds, and economic and social classes. Dose of Reality works to spread awareness about harm reduction methods like Narcan, help people find programs for Medication-Assisted Treatment and share hope and stories of New Mexicans in Recovery. Through their website information and resources, they accord dignity to people with addiction and recognize that there is no one singular path to recovery.

Lastly, the new 988 Lifeline can be a starting place for people who are curious about recovery, but who may not be ready for a therapy or treatment program yet. 988 is a way for anyone in a crisis to access free and confidential talk support for a variety of mental health and substance misuse reasons. Calling, texting or chatting #988 connects you with certified crisis counselors and peer support workers who can lead you to local supportive resources for treatment and recovery in your community.