Recovery Is Possible: Celebrating National Recovery Month

Written by Mike Mannion, CPRS

September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the strength and resilience of people in recovery, recognize the many pathways that can lead to recovery, and most importantly, show that recovery is possible.

At CiC for Prevention and Recovery, we see that message come to life every day. Recovery looks different for everyone, but having someone beside you who truly understands can make a tremendous difference.

All of CiC’s recovery support staff have lived experience. A peer is someone who uses that personal experience, along with professional training, to provide encouragement, connection, practical support, and hope. Sometimes talking with someone who has been there can help a person believe that recovery may be possible for them too.

Through our peer recovery services, individuals can receive one on one support while navigating treatment, recovery resources, harm reduction services, and other community supports.

Our Community Recovery Champion program brings that support directly into the communities we serve. CRCs work alongside municipalities, law enforcement, community organizations, and residents to connect people with treatment, recovery resources, Narcan, harm reduction services, and ongoing support.

The CRC program continues to grow across Somerset County, including the recent addition of Meaghan Clifford as the new Community Recovery Champion serving Franklin Township. By having peers embedded within local communities, CiC is able to meet people where they are and help remove barriers to support.

Recovery Month is also a time to celebrate the people living recovery every day. Recovery can mean rebuilding relationships, returning to work or school, reconnecting with family, finding purpose, helping others, or simply continuing to move forward. Every milestone matters.

Our community also recently came together for Overdose Awareness Night, honoring those whose lives have been lost to overdose and recognizing the families and loved ones impacted by the overdose crisis. Flags were planted to represent lives lost over the past year, reminding us that behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a story.

September also includes National Save a Life Day on September 24. CiC continues to provide Narcan, overdose prevention education, and harm reduction resources throughout Somerset County. Having Narcan available and knowing how to use it can save a life and give someone another opportunity to find recovery.

National Recovery Month is about hope, progress, connection, and second chances. Whether someone is just beginning to consider recovery or has been in recovery for years, support is available.

At CiC, we believe recovery is not only possible, but probable given the support of lived experience.

Recovery Friendly Workplaces Build Recovery Capital

Submitted by: David Martinak Program Director, RFW

During National Recovery Month, we recognize Somerset County’s early Recovery Friendly Workplace adopters: Coqui Insight Project, Empower Somerset, Floors Direct, Food Bank Network of Somerset, Franklin Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity Raritan Valley ReStore, HOME of Somerset County, Mannion’s Pub & Restaurant, Olive Branch Therapy, R&J Strategic Communications, Sky Sound Yoga, and Vollers Group.

The first of its kind in New Jersey, Somerset County’s RFW initiative is an innovation, community-centered response and effective use of opioid settlement funds. Since the program launched in spring 2025, more than 30 organizations have been introduced to the initiative. These employers are setting an example by taking actionable steps to reduce stigma, support employee well-being, and build recovery capital at both the individual and organizational levels.

For more information, contact:

David Martinak Program Director, RFW | CiC email: dmartinak@communityincrisis.org

Kratom: What Current Research Is Telling Us

Submitted by:  Michael De Matos, LAC, LCADC

Understanding Kratom 

Kratom is a substance that is derived from the leaves of the kratom tree, native to Southeast Asia. It first gained popularity in the United States as a plant-based alternative to opioids. Kratom can produce stimulant-like effects in low doses as well as sedative effects in higher doses. While kratom was at first seen as a safe, natural alternative to opioids, we now have evidence that it can lead to addiction. One of the psychoactive ingredients in kratom, 7-hydroxymytragynine, has also been synthetically reproduced to create products with much higher doses than would occur in botanical kratom. Regular use may lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal symptoms in some individuals. As with many substances, its effects can vary considerably from person to person (Prevete, E., Kuypers, K.P.C., Theunissen, E.L. et al., 2023).

What the Research Shows

Although some early studies and user reports suggest kratom may have potential therapeutic applications, high-quality clinical evidence remains limited, and kratom has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat any medical condition (U.S. Food and Drug Administration, 2025). Recent peer-reviewed reviews conclude that preliminary evidence suggests kratom may have therapeutic potential in some areas; however, larger, well-designed clinical trials are needed before its safety, effectiveness, appropriate dosing, and long-term effects can be established (Prevete, E., Kuypers, K.P.C., Theunissen, E.L. et al., 2023).

The Growing Concern Around 7-OH

More recently, public health attention has shifted toward highly concentrated and synthetic products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), one of kratom's naturally occurring alkaloids. Although 7-OH exists only in trace amounts in the natural leaf, some manufacturers have developed products containing concentrations far exceeding those found in botanical kratom. Laboratory and animal studies indicate that 7-OH acts as a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist and produces effects consistent with opioid medications, including pain relief, reward, tolerance, physical dependence, and withdrawal. These findings suggest that repeated or prolonged exposure to highly concentrated 7-OH products may carry a significant risk of opioid-like dependence and addiction, although additional human research is needed to better characterize these risks.

DEA and 7-OH

Currently, the DEA is taking steps to restrict the sale of certain products related to kratom.

From a July 1, 2026, press release:

“Today, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration filed its intent to temporarily place 7-hydroxymitagynine (7-OH) and three related substances into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). … This temporary scheduling action does not apply to botanical kratom products that contain naturally occurring 7-OH below the specified threshold. Instead, it targets synthesized products and those containing elevated concentrations of 7-OH as outlined in the temporary scheduling order. DEA believes these substances pose an imminent threat to public safety given their effects are highly unpredictable.”

A Complex Public Health Picture

Current evidence suggests that kratom presents a complex public health picture. While some individuals report using kratom to manage pain, improve mood, or reduce opioid use, studies have also documented cases of intoxication, dependence, and withdrawal, particularly among individuals using high doses, concentrated products, or kratom in combination with other substances. Researchers have also expressed concern that some commercially available products may contain inconsistent alkaloid concentrations, misleading labeling, or undisclosed ingredients, making it difficult for consumers and healthcare providers to accurately assess potency, safety, or appropriate dosing.

What Happens Next?

As research continues, healthcare providers, scientists, policymakers, and advocacy organizations are working to better understand both the potential benefits and the risks associated with kratom. Many researchers, clinicians, and public health organizations emphasize the importance of continued research, accurate product labeling, quality standards, and public education to help reduce harm and enable individuals to make informed decisions. Individuals considering kratom use should discuss potential benefits, risks, and possible medication interactions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Need Support?

If you or someone you know has questions about kratom or is experiencing concerns related to its use, consider speaking with a primary care provider, a behavioral health clinician, or an addiction specialist. Local outpatient treatment programs, peer recovery services, and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) can help connect individuals with evidence-based treatment and recovery resources.

Seeking support is not a sign of failure- it is a positive step toward protecting your health and well-being.

This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individuals should consult a qualified healthcare professional regarding questions about kratom or other substances.

 If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health, substance use or gambling challenges, please call our ACCESS Center at 908-253-3165. If this is a psychiatric emergency call PESS at 908-526-4100

OR

CALL the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 to talk to a counselor 24/7/365

References (APA 7th Edition)

Prevete, E., Kuypers, K.P.C., Theunissen, E.L. et al. Clinical Implications of Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) Use: a Literature Review. Curr Addict Rep 10, 317–334 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-023-00478-3⁠�

U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. (2026, July 1). DEA to Temporarily Schedule 7-OH and Related Substances to Protect Public Safety. https://www.dea.gov/press-releases/2026/07/01/dea-temporarily-schedule-7-oh-and-related-substances-protect-public

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2025, July 29). FDA Takes Steps to Restrict 7-OH Opioid Products Threatening American Consumers. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-takes-steps-restrict-7-oh-opioid-products-threatening-american-consumers

CJHRC’S FREE AFFORDABLE HOUSING

INFORMATION & TRAINING EXPO

Searching for an affordable rental or preparing to buy your first home?

Attend this FREE community event to meet housing professionals, discover available grants, and learn how to navigate the rental and homebuying process.

 TO ATTEND, REGISTER BY CLICKING HERE

(Registration Required by September 9, 2026)

WHEN: Saturday, September 12, 2026

Exhibitor Room- 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM

Educational Speaker Sessions- 9:45 AM to 1:15 PM

WHERE: Somerville Elks Lodge 1068, 375 Union Avenue, Bridgewater, NJ 08807

Complimentary Continental Breakfast & Buffet Lunch Provided (while supplies last)

 FREE UPCOMING WEBINARS

-Certificate Programs

September 15 & 17, 2026               2-day Homebuyer Webinar  

5:30 pm to 8:15 pm (each day)   Learn the steps involved in the homebuying process.

October 15, 2026                            Renter Info & Resources Webinar  

5:30 pm to 7:30 pm                       Learn about tenant’s rights, affordable housing and more.

LAST ONE UNTIL 2027

November 16 & 18, 2026              2-day Homebuyer Webinar (call the office for the links)

5:30 pm to 8:15 pm (each day)   Learn the steps involved in the homebuying process.

Somerset County is an equal opportunity employer and committed to providing a workplace free of harassment or discrimination. All employment decisions are to be made without regard to race, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, pregnancy, national origin/ancestry, citizenship, physical/mental disability, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

Below are current job openings at Richard Hall Community Health and Wellness Center:

Care Navigator

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-063J1314

Case Manager – AOTS

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-111J1195

Clinical Supervisor – CARE

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-037P806

Community Case Manager (PATH)

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-119J108

Family Case Manager

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-115J1510

Harm Reduction Case Manager – Bilingual

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-095J1473

Licensed Mental Health Practitioner

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-168J124

Psychiatric Nurse

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-099J115

Recovery Support Specialist – STAR (G)

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-040J1126

Recovery Support Specialist – STAR (PT)

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-094J1378

Security Guard (PT)

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-086J1425

Substance Use Care Navigator

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2026-079J1486

Substance Use Counselor

https://careers.co.somerset.nj.us/view/2025-163J122

If you require assistance completing the online employment application, you may contact Human Resources at employment@co.somerset.nj.us or 908-231-7120.