This September, Recovery Happens Together in Montgomery County

September is National Recovery Month, established in 1989 to promote evidence-based treatment and recovery practices and to celebrate the millions of Americans who are living in recovery from substance use disorders. The 2026 campaign carries the theme that recovery from addiction happens together, with SAMHSA framing meaningful human connection as central to resilience and long-term recovery.

As a physician, you are often the first person a patient tells. Your willingness to ask the question, make the referral, and follow up without judgment can be the turning point. This month is a good prompt to make sure you have the right resources ready.

For Your Patients

Montgomery County DHHS runs an Access to Behavioral Health Services program that provides clinical assessment, financial screening, and referrals for low-income residents with no commercial insurance who need mental health or substance use services. Reach them at 240-777-1770, Monday through Friday.

For patients who need inpatient detoxification, Avery Road Treatment Center in Rockville (301-762-5613) provides short-term inpatient treatment and detox for adults, operated in partnership with Montgomery County DHHS. The County also maintains a full directory of outpatient substance use disorder treatment providers across Rockville, Silver Spring, Gaithersburg, and Bethesda, covering adults, adolescents, and women-specific programs.

For patients in crisis at any hour, the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline covers mental health and substance use crises. SAMHSA's National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, in English and Spanish.

For You

If you or a colleague are navigating your own challenges with substance use, the Physicians' Resource Network through MCMS offers free, confidential support with no insurance filed and no electronic records kept. Appointments are available within 24 to 36 hours.