Though September is National Recovery Month, it’s certainly not the only time of the year to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices for substance use disorders (SUD). All year round, it is important to recognize the vital role of our collective community in supporting individuals throughout their recovery journeys.

This year, the Berkshires have seen significantly fewer fatal opioid overdoses compared to 2022, a reduction made possible by the essential work of harm reduction programs and community support. While this decline marks an important downturn in overdose deaths, the work is far from over. We must continue to create supportive spaces and build a community that helps everyone progress toward their recovery goals, step by step.

As the program manager of Berkshire Harm Reduction, I see firsthand how the path to recovery takes many forms, and how harm reduction efforts play a crucial role in improving outcomes.

One of the main challenges for people with SUD is the feeling of isolation and difficulty accessing resources that meet them where they are, especially while they are still actively using drugs. Many assume that abstinence-based programs are the primary path to recovery, but this isn’t true for everyone. It’s important to recognize that recovery journeys are often nonlinear, and relapses are common, but it should never be viewed as a failure.

Oversimplifying individuals’ experiences can undermine recovery efforts. Instead, offering comprehensive services and support that address the health complications of substance use enables people to advance in their recovery journeys while reducing the risk of harm.

Harm reduction aims to reduce the negative consequences associated with drug use, and a key part of this effort is developing resources in partnership with our communities. One example in our community is Berkshire Harm Reduction’s placement of 100 Naloxone Boxes around the Berkshires. These boxes provide the public with free access to NARCAN, a life-saving medication that can reverse opioid overdoses.

Access to NARCAN boxes can help save lives, and an essential aspect of enhancing these harm reduction efforts is community involvement and awareness. Now more than ever, community support plays a crucial role in the recovery process. To make greater progress in reducing overdoses, we must actively engage in initiatives and foster attitudes that promote this vision.

You don’t have to be on the front lines to support our community’s collective health. Community support can be offering peer encouragement, educating yourself about available resources, or carrying NARCAN and knowing how to use it. Many local organizations, including Berkshire Harm Reduction, host local events and meetings to inform the community about ongoing efforts and opportunities to get involved in coordinating care. The more that people understand how to use harm reduction resources, the better we can reduce stigma and expand access to care.

Recovery is a deeply personal journey, yet substance use impacts entire communities. Community-wide efforts to reduce overdoses can help bring us closer to improving our collective health.

We all must recognize that everyone is recovering from something. A compassionate and engaged community is a powerful force in sustaining recovery and building resilience.

Sarah DeJesus is the program manager at Berkshire Harm Reduction