5K Bird Walk for Recovery
A group of people wearing gap shirts are walking down a street
A man is taking a picture of a group of people walking down a path
A woman is standing in front of a table in a room with a red wall.

5K Bird Walk for Recovery

Recovery Month

Recovery Month was started in September of 1989 to celebrate the recovery community and highlight the importance of evidence-based treatment and recovery practices. 35 years on, it is still a highly anticipated annual event.


International Recovery Day

International Recovery Day, held during Recovery Month, reminds us that overcoming addiction is possible.
Our mission is to support individuals, families, and communities on their recovery journeys and foster hope for overcoming addiction worldwide.

We encourage communities and organizations to light up the night in purple to celebrate progress in addiction treatment and recovery.



Recovery aunties

Coming soon:

"Recovery Aunties" Refers to the concept of supportive women who offer guidance and encouragement in recovery from substance use, mental health challenges, or other life difficulties. 

If you feel called to offer support, wisdom, and presence in a way that uplifts others?

We’re building a circle of Recovery Aunties—follow our site for registration and more information.

What is Drug Addiction?

Addiction is defined as a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences. It is considered a brain disorder, because it involves functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Those changes may last a long time after a person has stopped taking drugs.

Read the Statement from the APA
A double exposure of a woman 's face with birds flying out of it.

Join Us for Our Educational Webinar Series, ‘Bird Seeds’, on Behavioral Health and Recovery!

Are you or someone you know navigating the challenges of substance use and mental health recovery? Our upcoming webinar series is designed to provide valuable insights, strategies, and support to help individuals on their journey to healing.

Why do people take drugs? 

People take drugs for a few reasons: 


  • To feel good. Drugs can produce intense feelings of pleasure. Cocaine is a stimulant, and the high is followed by feelings of power, self-confidence, and increased energy. Opioids such as heroin/OxyContin is followed by feelings of relaxation and satisfaction. 


  • To feel better. Some people who suffer from social anxiety, stress, and depression start using drugs to try to feel less anxious. Stress plays a major role in starting and continuing drug. 


  • To do better. People sometimes feel pressure to improve their focus in school or at work or their abilities in sports. This can play a role in trying or continuing to use drugs. 



  • Curiosity and social pressure.  Teens are at risk because peer pressure can be very strong. Adolescence is a period during which risk factors, such as peers who use drugs, may lead to substance use. 

September 30, 2024

National Recovery Month Observed

Zoom Webinar

National Recovery Month is an observance held every September to educate communities that substance use treatment and mental health services can enable those with mental and/or substance use disorders to live healthy and rewarding lives. The theme is “Every Person. Every Family. Every Community.”

RSVP
  • Three women are sitting at purple tables in a room.

  • A group of people posing for a picture with one wearing a tag that says 15

October 12, 2024

Overdose Lifeline Outpacing the Stigma 5K

1100 W 42nd Street Indianapolis, IN US 

The 5K Bird Walk for Recovery is a 501c3, not-for-profit organization. Since 2016, it has raised funds for organizations that support those living in recovery and their families through our own 5K walks and those of other not-for-profit organizations serving Indiana. This year, we are raising funds for Overdose Lifeline’s Outpacing the Stigma 5K, held in Indianapolis, Indiana, on October 12, 2024.

Learn More

Join the Recovery Aunties Movement

Are you the one they can always call? Maybe you’re the one with that available shoulder to lean on. If the answer is yes, then you qualify. "Recovery Aunties" are individuals who offer support, wisdom, and presence to those in recovery from drugs, alcohol, mental health issues, grief and trauma. Recovery Aunties are community members, friends, or family who feel called to uplift others. We’re here to provide education and support for the Recovery Auntie. 

Ways to Get Involved: 

  • Register to be a Recovery Auntie and join our support network.
  • Share your story or nominate someone who’s been a Recovery Auntie in your life.
  • Attend our upcoming workshops and circles.
Download Auntie Registration Form

Auntie Registration Form