National Addiction Professionals Day

National Addiction Professionals Day

About the Author:Jeniah Ugofsky is an intern for the Department of Social Services, Division of Behavioral Health's Workforce Development and Promotions team. Jeniah earned a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology and a minor in addiction studies and is currently attending the University of South Dakota to earn her master's in social work. Her career goal is to become a Licensed Certified Social Worker with a Private Independent Practice License and help people in the State of South Dakota with behavioral health disorders.

National Recovery Month in September, and specifically National Addiction Professionals Day on September 20^th, highlights the seriousness of addiction within South Dakota and the critical role addiction professionals play in our communities. These dedicated individuals specialize in addiction prevention, intervention, treatment, recovery support, and education; their work impacts the lives of individuals and families all across South Dakota. Even if you haven't personally been affected by addiction, it's likely that someone in your community-whether a neighbor, coworker, or acquaintance-is struggling. The work of addiction professionals is incredibly selfless and demanding.

This special recognition given to addiction professionals acknowledges their hard work and commitment. Despite the significant impact they have, addiction professionals often operate behind the scenes, and with only very rare public commendations. National Addiction Professionals Day is also a chance to raise awareness about the importance of their work and to encourage support for addiction prevention and treatment efforts in our communities. By recognizing National Recovery Month and National Addiction Professionals Day, we can contribute to reducing stigma, promoting understanding, and supporting those who are dedicated to helping others on their journey to recovery.

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Here are some ways you might express your gratitude and support for addiction professionals:

1. Personal Thanks:Reach out directly to addiction professionals you know or encounter and let them know how much you appreciate their work. A simple thank-you note or message can go a long way in showing your support.
2. Social Media Advocacy:Use platforms like social media to promote awareness about addiction issues and the role of addiction professionals. Use hashtags like #AddictionProfessionalsDay to join the conversation and amplify the message.
3. Wear Purple:During September, wear purple to show your solidarity with addiction recovery. It's a visible way to support the cause and raise awareness about the addiction recovery movement.

For their part, addiction professionals might:

1. Share Your Story:Reflect on your journey into the addiction field and why you find it meaningful. Sharing personal experiences can inspire others and highlight the importance of your work.
2. Engage with Students:Take the opportunity to speak with students who are interested in the addiction field. Answer their questions, share your insights, and encourage them to pursue careers in addiction prevention and treatment.
3. Community Support:Share information about addiction resources and services available in your community. This could include local support groups, counseling services, or helplines. By spreading awareness, you help others access the support they may need.

It would be fair to say that addiction professionals seek to impact persons facing mental health and substance use challenges. Their efforts create an environment where compassion, understanding, and effective treatment can thrive. Expressing gratitude to these professionals acknowledges their vital contributions and inspires others to support their mission. Together, through awareness, support, and recognition, we can continue to empower addiction professionals and their work to promote healing within our communities.

Joining a team at a community-based treatment provider or the Human Services Center presents a unique and profoundly rewarding opportunity to make a significant impact on individuals grappling with addiction. In this role, you'll have the chance to build meaningful connections with clients, providing them with the support and resources they need to overcome their challenges. The work you do will not only bring about transformative changes in the lives of those you assist but also contribute to the overall health and resilience of the community.

To explore career opportunities at the Human Services Center, visithttps://dss.sd.gov/behavioralhealth/hsc/join_our_team.aspxfor more information. They offer a range of career opportunities across various roles, from clinical positions to administrative and support functions. Each position is integral to the mission of delivering comprehensive and compassionate care.

If you're interested in pursuing a career with a community-based treatment provider, you can explore available opportunities by visiting the following resource:https://dss.sd.gov/docs/behavioralhealth/services/List_of_Treatment_agencies_and_services.pdfThis document provides a comprehensive list of accredited and contracted treatment providers across the state, offering a wide range of services to support individuals dealing with behavioral health issues, including addiction. The list includes essential contact information for each provider, allowing you to reach out directly for detailed information about their current career openings, application procedures, and the specific roles they are hiring for. By contacting these organizations, you can gain insights into their work environment, mission, and the impact they have on their communities.

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The mission of the Human Services Center is to provide individuals with a mental health or substance use disorder or both with effective, individualized professional treatment enabling them to achieve their highest level of personal independence in the most therapeutic environment.

The mission of the Division of Behavioral Health is to support quality clinical treatment, recovery supports, prevention and crisis services with integrity to obtain positive outcomes for individuals with behavioral health needs.

To read previous editions of the Mental Health Memo visithttps://dss.sd.gov/keyresources/news.aspx#mhmemo

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