{"id":37808,"date":"2024-08-29T23:44:16","date_gmt":"2024-08-30T04:44:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/september-is-national-recovery-month-2\/"},"modified":"2024-08-29T23:44:19","modified_gmt":"2024-08-30T04:44:19","slug":"september-is-national-recovery-month-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/unitedresourceconnection.org\/cannon-ball-nd-58528\/september-is-national-recovery-month-2\/","title":{"rendered":"September is National Recovery Month"},"content":{"rendered":"
<\/span><\/div>
\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

Austin Sunka Luta (Cheyenne River Lakota) has 14 years of being clean and sober by traveling the Red Road to Recovery. (photo courtesy of Austin Sunka Luta)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

EAGLE BUTTE SD \u2013 September is National Recovery Month, according to the federal Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).\u00a0 Since 1989, the national observance has been held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation\u2019s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible.<\/p>\n

Austin Sunka Luta (Cheyenne River Lakota) has been clean and sober for the past 14 years. He struggled with substance use and abuse in his teens, tried to quit using on his own, and even sought help from professional treatment services, including a 90-day residential treatment program in his early twenties.<\/p>\n

He gives credit to his leksi Leon Red Dog for teaching and showing him how to heal. Uncle Leon was a recovering alcoholic, a veteran, and an alcohol and addiction counselor. He taught Austin how to recover by practicing traditional prayer, by ceremonies, and by identifying with and embracing his culture and making a personal connection with his Higher Power, which Austin prefers to call Taku wakan Skanskan (something sacred that\u2019s moving). This pathway is sometimes called \u201cthe Red Road to recovery.\u201d<\/p>\n

Sunka Luta says this pathway to recovery does not work for everyone, but \u201cfor me, it has opened up the door for me to live life the way it\u2019s supposed to be \u2014 a life of integrity, woksape (wisdom with respect), wocekiya (prayer), waunsila (compassion). \u2026 (This pathway) has taught me to stay balanced, how to be a good relative living in two worlds \u2013 the Lakota world and the modern-day materialistic, capitalistic oligarchy. \u2026My life today has a foundation of healing.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cStudies have shown that cultural identity and spirituality are important issues for Native Americans seeking help for substance abuse, and these individuals may experience better outcomes when traditional healing approaches (such as powwows, drum circles, and sweat lodges) are incorporated into treatment programs,\u201d according to a scholarly article published in the professional journal Psychiatric Services.<\/p>\n

Sunka Luta would say to anyone considering a recovery pathway, \u201cGo to a place where there is running water, like a river. Take some alone time for yourself. Sit and think and connect to your nagi (Higher Power or Spirit, sometimes known as intutition or \u201cgut instinct\u201d). Listen for guidance.\u201d<\/p>\n

To those who may be worried or concerned about a relative\u2019s substance use or mental health, Sunka Luta says, \u201cBe non-judgmental and patient. Show unconditional pure love, even if it\u2019s tough love. Go inside and find the Light within yourself and show that Light to the one who is struggling.\u201d<\/p>\n

SAMSHA offers a free \u201cRecovery Month Toolkit\u201d and notes, \u201cWith the right treatment, support, and resources, recovery is possible for everyone. Use this Toolkit to learn more about what SAMHSA is doing to support people in recovery and how to share this information with your audiences. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in or seeking recovery from mental and substance use disorders.\u201d Readers can access the Toolkit at tinyurl.com\/5n8zfey5<\/a> .<\/p>\n

The Tool Kit includes:<\/p>\n