By Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
LINCOLN, Neb. – The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Division of Behavioral Health (DBH) recognizes September as National Recovery Month, a time to focus on hope, healing and a full life lived in recovery from alcohol and substance use.
“Recovery does not happen in silos. A solid support system at home and in the community sets individuals up with a sturdy foundation to build confidence, find security, and develop a more resilient internal strength,” said Dr. Thomas Janousek, Director of DBH. “Helping individuals navigate their way to resources specific to overcoming a substance use disorder can be life-changing and cultivate more recovery-focused communities.”
Recovery touches many aspects of an individual's life: home, community, purpose and health. Nebraska has several resources to support individuals across the state in each aspect of recovery.
- Network of Care. Stable housing reduces daily living stressors for individuals focusing on their mental health in a secure living environment. A reliable living environment allows individuals to establish routines, connect with support systems, and access services. Housing resources in your zip code can be found using the Network of Care website. portal.networkofcare.org/NebraskaBehavioralHealth
- Peer Support. Community supports offer a sense of belonging, can reduce isolation, and can help individuals achieve their recovery goals. Peer support groups are a safe space to share similar experiences and learn relapse prevention skills. Another community resource is Peer Support Specialists, who are trained to use personal lived experiences with mental health or substance use, how they achieve navigating recovery, and mentor others striving towards the same goal. Through DBH, you can become a trained Peer Support Specialist to work with kids or adults. dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Peer-Support-Training-Certification.aspx
- Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW). Employment inspires a sense of purpose and independence. Work environments impact an individual’s ability to maintain a positive projection in their recovery journey. The RFW program provides free training and resources for employers to create a workplace environment supportive of mental health and substance use recovery for employees. dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Recovery-Friendly-Workplace-Initiative.aspx
- Immediate Help.988 offers 24/7 access to mental health and substance use crisis response, suicide prevention response, crisis de-escalation, and connection to local care and treatment resources. Call or text 988, or webchat at 988lifeline.org.Same Day Scheduling and Walk-In Access offers a list of providers with availability to offer assistance to an individual in need of a same-day or immediate appointment. dhhs.ne.gov/sameday.NARCAN nasal spray is an immediate response to reverse an opioid overdose. Access NARCAN at stopodne.com.
- 988 offers 24/7 access to mental health and substance use crisis response, suicide prevention response, crisis de-escalation, and connection to local care and treatment resources. Call or text 988, or webchat at 988lifeline.org.
- Same Day Scheduling and Walk-In Access offers a list of providers with availability to offer assistance to an individual in need of a same-day or immediate appointment. dhhs.ne.gov/sameday.
- NARCAN nasal spray is an immediate response to reverse an opioid overdose. Access NARCAN at stopodne.com.
For more information about resources, attend the DHHS DBH Recovery Month Event on Sept. 28, 2025, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on the North Steps of the Nebraska State Capitol Building. All Nebraskans are invited to attend. At the event, DHHS will also recognize the 2025 Excellence in Recovery Award recipients nominated by their peers.