National Recovery Month

Each September we honor and celebrate the strength and resilience of those in recovery from substance use disorders and addiction, and promote resources and support systems that make recovery possible. 

Multiple events and learning opportunities are available to support our recovery community, reduce the stigma that often marks addiction, and foster a recovery-friendly campus that supports health and wellbeing for all. Whether you are a member of our community who is in recovery, an ally, or supporting a loved one — we invite you to explore BU’s resources and observance of this important awareness month.

Community Events 2026:

• Overdose Response Training
  Sept 15, Sept 17 & Sept 22 (virtual & in-person options)
  Learn how to respond to an overdose and administer nasal naloxone. Naloxone will be available to participants at in-person trainings. Register for a training.

• Recovery Resources Tabling Events
  Sept 23, 11 AM – 1 PM, BUMC Talbot Green
  Sept 25, 11 AM – 1 PM, GSU Plaza
  Connect with BU employees and students at BU Safety Fest to learn about campus and community recovery support, such as the BU Recovery Community. 

• Stories of Strength & Recovery
  Sept 29, 12PM – 1:30PM, Keefer Auditorium, BUSM L-Building
  Attend this one-woman play and panel discussion with BU & BMC community members who share personal and professional experience with recovery. Lunch will be provided. No registration required.

• Commemorating Recovery Milestones
  Online & ongoing
  Recognize a BU community member’s recovery milestone by sending them a celebratory card and ribbon. Request a commemorative ribbon.

For Allies

Support from friends, family, and colleagues plays a crucial role in a person’s recovery and helps to build a recovery-friendly BU community.

Take everyday actions to support people in recovery

• Use non-stigmatizing and medically accurate language. Read about why “Words Matter” and what language can help challenge the stigma around substance use disorder and recovery.
• If someone decides not to drink or use drugs, support their decision. While some people may be comfortable answering questions about why they don’t drink/use, others are not. Make sure to listen without judgment when and if someone is ready to share.
• Plan social events that don’t revolve around substance use. You may not know someone’s personal relationship with substance use or the experiences of their close loved ones. Aim to create social spaces that are open and inviting to people of different substance use choices and experiences.
• Do not share your prescription drugs with others, and safely dispose of any unused or expired prescription medication at a drug take-back or pharmacy take-back kiosk near you.

These actions can also help support people of all experiences and choices with substance use, including people who may choose sobriety for a number of different personal, religious, or cultural reasons.

Learn about substance use disorder & recovery

• Start with a brief overview of information on addiction and recovery.
• Learn how to support someone in recovery. Allies in Recovery is an online learning platform for loved ones of someone who is struggling with substance use. Allies in Recovery is free for Massachusetts residents.
• Learn the signs of alcohol and other substance misuse so you can identify if someone you know may be struggling with substance use.
• Know where to go for substance use and recovery resources at BU and in your local community. Learn more about recovery resources at BU and the The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline.
• Explore the Recovery at BU online photo exhibit, where students in recovery share their experiences to destigmatize substance use disorder and recovery, and show that people in recovery are everywhere – including BU. 
• Attend an overdose response training to learn how to respond to an opioid overdose.
• Learn more about how BU faculty are using their research to advocate for collegiate recovery in Massachusetts and on Capitol Hill.

Seek support for yourself

Recovery is not always a straightforward or linear process. Supporting a loved one requires understanding, patience, and self-care. Resources and communities of loved ones in similar situations are available to support you.

• Connect with a mental health provider to get support for yourself. Learn more about mental health resources below.
• Explore Allies in Recovery, an online training that includes information about self-care resources and a community of loved ones going through similar challenges. Allies in Recovery is free for Massachusetts residents.
• Find in-person and virtual peer-support meetings for families and loved ones. In-person and online options include Al-Anon and Alateen (View the meetings directory) and SMART Recovery Family & Friends. (View the meetings directory.)

Mental Health & Substance Use Resources

For all community members

The Grayken Center for Addiction at Boston Medical Center has more than a dozen addiction-focused programs. Anyone can reach out to find addiction support tailored to their individual needs.

For students

Student Health Services (SHS) has many resources to support students in long-term recovery or new to their recovery journey, including the BU Recovery Community and BU Recovery Meetings. SHS also provides mental health support for substance use and students can complete anonymous online screening that provides personalized feedback.

For faculty and staff

The Faculty & Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) provides free, confidential support for concerns including mental health, substance use, and addiction. Employees and their immediate family members can access short-term counseling and referrals for treatment, as well as anonymous online screenings for substance use and gambling habits