Recovery Month 2024: A personal, creative journey of healing and empowerment

Now in its 34th year, Recovery Month raises awareness and celebrates the success of people in recovery from addiction.

In this blog post, Maddie Kitchen from NSPA member Sobriety Films UK CIC, reflects on her own journey to recovery and how creativity and film have played a vital part.

My personal journey to recovery

September is a special time for the global recovery community, marking the 34th annual celebration of Recovery Month. This month is packed with events around the world, honouring the resilience and courage of those who are overcoming addiction and mental health struggles. For all of us in recovery, it’s a time to reflect, celebrate, and raise awareness about the transformative power of healing.

My own journey to recovery began in August 2006, when I finally surrendered to the reality that my dependence on alcohol was not just damaging my physical health, but was also tearing apart my mental well-being. My vulnerability to depression and anxiety had led me down the path of self-medication, and it wasn’t until I was diagnosed with “dual diagnosis” – a combination of mental health issues and addiction – that I understood the complexity of my struggle.

At that time, the hope of ever getting better seemed far out of reach. Living a life where my mood disorder worked for me, rather than against me, was unimaginable. I was at my lowest point, despairing and lost. But as they say, when you hit rock bottom, the only way is up.

Recovery means different things to different people, but to me, it feels like a rebirth—a courageous decision to embrace life without the crutches of substances or destructive behaviours. It’s not just about quitting alcohol or drugs; it’s about choosing to live fully, without the false coping mechanisms that only mask deeper issues. And crucially, it’s a journey I didn’t have to walk alone. My first step was reaching out to my local alcohol service, and then attending 12-step meetings, where I found an unexpected source of strength: a community of peers, all committed to healing and self-compassion.

The role of creativity and film

For the past 18 years, creativity and film have played a vital role in my recovery. They’ve not only helped me process my own emotions, but have allowed me to help others find their path to wellbeing. Through Sobriety Films, the social enterprise I run, I’ve been able to collaborate with pioneering organisations like Rethink Mental Illness, Turning Point, and the NHS, spreading the message that recovery is possible. Together, we work to amplify voices and break down the stigmas that surround both addiction and mental illness.

One of the highlights of Recovery Month for me is the Recovery Street Film Festival, where lived experience takes centre stage. For 10 years, this festival has invited people from all walks of life to create short films that reflect their own journeys or the struggles of their loved ones. I’ve been lucky enough to have two of my films, Say Something and SING, shortlisted and screened at the festival in past years. Watching my work in this setting, where recovery is celebrated and embraced, was an unforgettable experience.

Belonging and connection in recovery

The theme of this year’s Recovery Street Film Festival is ‘Belonging’ – which demonstrates the feeling of connection recovery brings. The power of storytelling comes alive on the screen, and there is something incredibly moving about seeing your own story – or one like yours – represented in a space that smashes stigma and raises awareness about the chains of dependence that keep so many trapped.

The festival will be held in Sheffield on Friday 27 September, and I encourage anyone affected by addiction, or simply curious to understand the dynamics of it, to join for this unique cinematic event. Grab some popcorn and immerse yourself in a storytelling experience that showcases the incredible power of recovery in action.

“A profound journey that weaves through all aspects of life”

I will always remember where I came from—the isolation, the despair, and the deep yearning to be free from the grip of addiction. Recovery is not just a personal victory; it is a profound journey that weaves through all aspects of life. It’s about living on life’s terms, embracing every challenge and joy with open arms. It’s about dedication to being present, to being alive, and celebrating our beautiful diversity and complexity.

As we celebrate Recovery Month 2024, I invite you to join us. Let’s spread the message far and wide that we are all worth it, and that there is hope and healing for everyone. Our stories are powerful, and together, we can create a world where recovery is not only possible but actively embraced.

Further resources

For further information and support on addiction and recovery, please visit:

– Faces & Voices of Recovery

– Alcohol Change UK

– Alcoholics Anonymous

– Smart Recovery

– Narcotics Anonymous in the United Kingdom   

– Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire    

– Nacoa

– WithYou

– Adfam

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