Recovery - Mental Health, Substance Use

Behavioral Health is Essential to Overall Health

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With the right services and supports, individuals living with mental health and/or substance use concerns, can and do get better. This is true for tens of thousands of Wisconsin residents whose lives have been transformed through recovery. They’re managing their symptoms. They’re no longer addicted to alcohol and/or drugs. They have reconnected with family and friends. They have built strong, healthy relationships in their communities. They’re gainfully employed and contributing to Wisconsin’s economic well-being. 

Recovery is a Journey

Recovery is an ongoing process of change through which individuals improve their health and wellness, live a self-directed life, and strive to reach their full potential. Recovery looks and feels different for everyone, but it is possible for everyone.

What does recovery from a mental health and/or substance use concern feel like? Check out this fact sheet from Mental Health America. (PDF, 3.3 MB)

Join the Voices for Recovery: Strengthen Families and Communities

Governor Scott Walker has issued a proclamation declaring September 2017 as Recovery Month in Wisconsin (PDF). This month is a time to promote the message that recovery is possible, celebrate individuals in recovery, and laud the efforts of the mental health and substance use treatment providers who help individuals achieve wellness.

This is a national observance sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. This year's theme 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.

#WeAreRecoveryWI

The 2017 Rally for Recovery was held September 23 at the state Capitol. The Wisconsin Department of Health Services was a sponsor of this event. Visit the DHS Facebook page for a photo gallery. Parts of the program were recorded and shared on the DHS Facebook page. See below for the videos or visit the DHS Facebook page.

The Wisconsin Dells Singers from the Ho-Chunk Nation opened the event with a drumming circle.

There was a moment of silence to honor those who passed away before they could experience long-term recovery.

Attorney General Brad Schimel said we need to support individuals who are struggling with addiction [and mental illness] and show them that there is hope.

Lt. Governor Rebecca Kleefisch said Wisconsin's opioid crisis is "not limited to one neighborhood. This is not limited to people who look a certain way, or act a certain way, or do a certain thing, or hang out with a certain group. This affects everyone. And, that means you." She urged those in the crowd who are in recovery from an addition to share their story to end the stigma around addicition and offer hope to people struggling to achieve wellness in their lives.

The UW Marching Band performed.

Find Recovery Supports

Free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). Use this search tool to locate a local mental health or substance use treatment provider. In life-threatening situations, dial 911.

Last Revised: September 25, 2017