September is national recovery month, celebrating the work it takes to overcome substance abuse.

Today, dozens of organizations from across the state gathered at the state capitol—highlighting ways that people can get help as they recover from substance abuse.

“We want people to know that recovery is real, restoring every aspect of life,” said Lakita Davis-Jones, secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug & Alcohol Program.

In 2023, over 84,000 Pennsylvanians were receiving treatment for substance abuse, according to the Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration. 

Alcohol abuse remains the most common struggle that Pennsylvanian’s report; the opioid epidemic also still has strong grips on people.

In some regions, like North Central Pennsylvania, methamphetamine use is growing more common than opioids.

“Methamphetamine makes the person very paranoid. It causes a lot of psychosis. So getting those folks to the help that they need is kind of the first feat in itself,” said Katie Hugo, hub coordinator for North Central PA Recovery Hub. 

Intensive rehab is critical in recovery, but it’s the continued community supports that help people stay in recovery.

In 2021, Pennsylvania launched a recovery home license. Now, there are over 400 homes in the state.

“Recovery houses are a good half step option,” Hugo said. "So you're not going to just be left to your own choices. You're going to solve a little bit of that structure. You're going to still have some requirements to meet.”

Pennsylvania’s Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs distribute a lot of federal funds for recovery organizations; still, some groups have direct contracts with counties and the state—and are being directly impacted by the state budget impasse.

“And we have approximately a $500,000 contract and we are three months in without having received any of those funds,” said Scott Althouse, executive director of Take It Easy— a recovery house in Berks County.