This National Recovery Month, Show How You’re #StrongerThanAddiction

September is National Recovery Month, dedicated to increasing awareness of substance use disorders and honoring the people in our lives who are thriving in recovery.

Many people in the recovery community are devoted to fitness—runners, weightlifters, swimmers, climbers. That’s no accident. Research shows that fitness routines are an effective support for people dealing with addiction. Regular exercise can help reduce cravings, improve mood and self-esteem, and promote long-term recovery.

We think that’s pretty amazing. So in honor of Recovery Month, Shatterproof will be celebrating this powerful connection between fitness and recovery. Here are three easy ways you can get involved and show your support.

1. Register for a local Rise Up Against Addiction 5K Walk/Run event

Take a stand. Spread love. Shatter the stigma of addiction at one of our upcoming fall Rise Up Against Addiction events! Register today if you haven’t already. And be sure to share your personal fundraising page in the coming weeks, asking your friends and family to donate in honor of Recovery Month.

2. Create your own fitness fundraiser

Channel your unique fitness passion into an awesome independent fundraiser. Hit the pavement in a local race, partner with a local workout studio, or create an event that’s all your own! Click here to get started.

Get inspired by these stories from past fundraisers

3. Share your #StrongerThanAddiction story

Use the hashtag #StrongerThanAddiction to post on social media about your favorite fitness activity. Show us pics of you in action, if you can—flexing, riding, jumping, pressing! We'll re-share your post with the Shatterproof community, spreading the positivity and hope.

Check out these powerful #StrongerThanAddiction stories

That’s it. High five! Thanks for getting involved.

Thank you so much for donating, fundraising, and spreading the word about Shatterproof’s work. With support from people like you, Shatterproof is working to ensure that every American with a substance use disorder has access to affordable, high-quality treatment based on proven science. Read more about our current initiatives here.