Recovery Rocks ND project aims to spread hope and encouragement during National Recovery Month

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In recognition of National Recovery Month this September, North Dakota Health and Human Services (HHS) is launching Recovery Rocks ND, a statewide community engagement initiative aimed at celebrating recovery and reducing the stigma around seeking help for substance use and mental health needs. HHS is encouraging individuals across the state to paint rocks with messages of hope, resilience and recovery that reflect their personal journey or connection to recovery.

How to participate:

• Paint a rock - or several!
• Keep it as a reminder of why recovery matters to you.
• Share it as a form of encouragement with a loved one.
• Display it in a rock garden as inspiration for others.
• Post it on social media with the hashtag #RecoveryRocksND.
• Submit your photos and recovery stories to HHS through this form: hhsnd.site/RecoveryRocksNDShare.

According to HHS Behavioral Health Clinical Policy Director Shauna Eberhardt, the initiative is simple in its ask but highlights the power of creative expression in the recovery journey. As a therapist and artist, she has incorporated art in therapy sessions. Painting rocks is an accessible activity that doesn't have a high price point or skill set barriers to participate yet has transformative significance.

"This goes beyond just an art project. Each painted rock becomes a tangible reminder of strength, support, and resilience. Celebrating recovery through art is a powerful and meaningful way to express and process the journey. Art can be both a therapeutic tool and a form of celebration, allowing individuals to visually represent their experiences, growth, and transformation," said Eberhardt. "It offers a moment to reflect on the meaning of one's recovery or that of a loved one. This small visual keepsake provides a sense of belonging and motivation to continue the journey, reminding individuals they are never alone."

Several HHS human service centers throughout the state, along with other behavioral health partners are hosting rock painting sessions as well as creating Recovery Rocks rock gardens at their facilities. Additionally, the HHS Behavioral Health and Children and Family Services Conference scheduled for Sept. 16-19 at the Bismarck Event Center will include an opportunity for attendees to decorate a "recovery rock" while visiting with peer support specialists who have their own recovery stories and work to help others to support their recovery.

Approximately 50% of Americans report knowing someone who struggles with addiction (Recovery First Treatment Center)​ (APF). This demonstrates the far-reaching effect of addiction as well as the impact recovery can have not only on individuals but also their friends, family and communities. Recovery Rocks aims to foster connection and healing for both individuals in recovery and their loved ones. It may even provide opportunities to talk to loved ones about taking their first steps towards recovery.

"This project aims to build unity and support, highlighting that recovery is a shared experience and a testament to resilience," said Lacresha Graham, manager of addiction treatment and recovery program and policy for HHS. "Recovery is not defined by a single path, and it doesn't have to feel like the weight of a huge boulder. Instead, there are a multitude of pathways to recovery created by each individual as a steppingstone for themselves."

Visit the North Dakota Mental Health Directory to find services for crisis support, counseling and treatment, early intervention, recovery support and more.

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