Miah Jackson, most often recognized as a member of the Selma City Council, is gearing up for a slate of activities scheduled for National Recovery Month in her position as Director of Dallas County Court Services.

National Recovery Month, now in its 30th year, takes place every September and is a national observance sponsored by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to educate Americans on substance abuse and mental health and the multitude of treatment options available to those currently suffering.

“Nearly every person in Alabama is touched by the problems associated with substance abuse, either through their own use, as a victim of a substance abuser or the person bearing the emotional, mental and financial burden of a family member whose use is out of control,” Jackson said. “Watching family members’ lives wither away and observing the devastating legal, health and financial consequences of their use can devastate families. These problems are solvable and sufferers are not without hope.”

Along with educating people about the dangers associated with substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as the treatments available, the month also recognizes the hard-won accomplishments of those who are in recovery or have successfully made it to the other side.

Jackson noted these people deserve to be celebrated in the same way that those managing other health conditions, such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma and heart disease, are celebrated for their improvements.

Each year, according to Jackson, Dallas County Court Services hosts a series of events aimed at promoting recovery and reminding everyone “that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.”

The first such event took place Tuesday morning, when participants went on radio station 94.7 FM’s The Hope Show, hosted by Jerria Martin, to share their stories of recovery.

Another event will be held this Saturday – participants will meet at the Dallas County Court Services office around 6:30 p.m. as part of the National Recovery Month Day of Service to beautify the area around the office by picking up trash, cutting grass and more.

On Thursday, Sept. 19, the office will host its 7th Annual Addiction and the Law Training program from 8:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m.

According to Jackson, there are a number of ways that the community can get involved, both those who have suffered directly or indirectly from substance abuse and mental health issues and those simply interested in lending a helping hand or extending a show of support.

“We encourage anyone that is in recovery, anyone that has a family member or a friend in the midst of addiction and/or recovery to support our efforts,” Jackson said. “These events are held annually in an effort to bring attention to the disease of addiction and the many gains made by those in recovery.”

According to its 2014 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, SAMHSA reports that nearly 1-in-12 U.S. adults suffer from a substance use disorder, while 1-in-5 currently suffers from a mental illness – nearly 8 million Americans suffer from both.

“Drug Courts, treatment programs and prevention services are effective tools and resources to help restore hope and sanity,” Jackson said. “Caring family members and addicts need to know that recovery is a process, not an event. And, to quote an Alcoholics Anonymous adage, ‘It works if you work it.’”