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Get ready to spread some love and support on Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day, which falls on Feb. 7! This day was created with the intention of raising awareness about addiction and alcoholism and showing compassion towards those who struggle with these issues. It's a reminder that everyone deserves love and understanding, regardless of their struggles. So go ahead and give someone a hug today – it could make all the difference in their recovery journey. Let's use this day to break the stigma surrounding addiction and show our support for those in need.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1730s</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Early Acknowledgement of Alcoholism</div><div class='timeline-text'>Benjamin Rush, a physician, recognized alcoholism as a disease, marking an important beginning in the understanding and acceptance of addiction.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1935</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Creation of Alcoholics Anonymous</div><div class='timeline-text'>Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) was founded by Bill Wilson and Bob Smith in the United States, offering a self-help group for individuals dealing with alcoholism.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1987</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>National Recovery Month Established</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) established September as National Recovery Month to increase awareness of mental and substance use disorders.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Addiction Recovery Coaches</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first certified addiction recovery coaches begin to offer personal guidance and support for individuals on the path to recovery.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Advancements in Addiction Treatment</div><div class='timeline-text'>New therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT), gain recognition for their effectiveness in treating addiction.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2015</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Establishment of Hug an Addict Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day came into existence to provide emotional support to those journeying towards recovery while spreading awareness and removing the stigma associated with addiction.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Give a hug to someone in recovery</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>On Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day, show your support for those in recovery by giving them a warm and supportive hug. It may seem small, but it can make a big difference in their day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a support group meeting</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>One of the best ways to show your support for addicts and alcoholics is by attending a support group meeting with them. This can help them feel less alone and more understood on this special day.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Write a letter of encouragement</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take some time to write a heartfelt letter of encouragement to someone in recovery. This can be a powerful way to show your support and remind them that they are loved and valued.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Organize a sober activity</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Plan a fun and sober activity to do with your loved one who is in recovery. This can be anything from going for a hike to having a movie night at home. The important thing is to spend quality time together without drugs or alcohol.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Educate yourself and others</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Take the opportunity on Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day to educate yourself and others about addiction and recovery. Share facts, statistics, and personal stories to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding this important issue.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Reminds us to show compassion and empathy</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day serves as a reminder to treat individuals struggling with addiction with kindness and understanding. It's important to remember that addiction is a disease, not a choice, and those suffering deserve love and support.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages open conversation about addiction</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This holiday creates a safe space for individuals to talk openly about addiction, helping to break down the stigma surrounding it. These conversations can also help connect those struggling with resources and support they may need.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes physical and emotional healing through touch</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Addiction can be isolating, but something as simple as a hug can provide comfort, connection, and healing. Hugging releases oxytocin, the "feel-good" hormone, which can help reduce stress and promote feelings of safety and attachment.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Social support aids recovery</h3><p class='facts-content'>Studies have shown that strong social support groups can play an important role in recovery from substance abuse.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Relapses do not mean failure</h3><p class='facts-content'>Relapses are common and can be a part of the process. Rather than view them as failure, they should be seen as opportunities to learn and strengthen coping strategies.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Addiction can happen to anyone</h3><p class='facts-content'>Substance abuse and addiction do not discriminate. People from all walks of life can become addicted to alcohol or other drugs, regardless of socioeconomic or ethnic background.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Treatment can be successful and people can maintain long-term recovery</h3><p class='facts-content'>There’s evidence that supports the effectiveness of treatment for addiction, specially when it is tailored to suit individual needs. Millions of people are living in recovery from a substance use disorder.</p></div></div> <div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Rehabilitation often includes more than just detox</h3><p class='facts-content'>Successful rehabilitation often involves more than just detoxification. It often includes psychological counseling and management of other health conditions.</p></div></div>
Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day is celebrated on February 7 every year. In 2024 Hug an Addict or Alcoholic Day will occur on a Wednesday.
2023
Feb 7
Tuesday
2024
Feb 7
Wednesday
2025
Feb 7
Friday
2026
Feb 7
Saturday
2027
Feb 7
Sunday
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