It seems that every month we dedicate four weeks to some cause or other, and September is no different. 

We are in the throes of Recovery Month in the Cayman Islands. This year’s theme - Join the Voices for Recovery: It’s Worth It - emphasises that while the road to recovery may be difficult, the benefits of preventing and overcoming mental and/or substance use disorders are significant and valuable to individuals, families and communities. The theme also highlights that people in recovery achieve healthy lifestyles, both physically and emotionally and contribute in positive ways to their community. They also prove to others that prevention works, treatment is effective, and people recover. 

We all probably know someone in our community who suffers from mental or substance abuse disorders.  

We are fortunate in the Cayman Islands to have places like Caribbean Haven and dedicated staff to work with those trying to overcome their addictions. 

The clients there have all come to a breaking point, realising that they need help - either on their own, through court orders or interventions. Breaking an addiction doesn’t happen immediately. It takes hard work and dedication both on the part of the patients and the caregivers. But recovery can happen.