Chief Justice Paul Newby proclaimed on May 5 that May 2026 will be recognized as Recovery Court Month for the North Carolina Judicial Branch. This announcement coincides with National Treatment Court Month, a time when recovery courts across the state join others nationwide to acknowledge the role of treatment courts.
Newby said, “For more than 30 years, recovery courts in North Carolina have helped individuals rebuild their lives and strengthen our communities. This month, we recognize that impact and the dedicated professionals who help make recovery possible.”
National Treatment Court Month is coordinated by All Rise, formerly known as the National Association of Drug Court Professionals. During this period, recovery courts highlight the need for ongoing federal and state support for these programs.
There are over 4,200 recovery courts operating throughout the United States, serving more than 150,000 participants each year. Since starting in 1989, these programs have served over 1.5 million people and saved billions of dollars in taxpayer funds.
In North Carolina alone, there are more than 80 active recovery courts providing treatment and support services to people facing substance use or mental health disorders across many counties.
