Addiction is a powerful force that leaves many people feeling helpless, scared and out of control. Many times people feel like there is no way out and that they just cannot get control over their addiction. People can overcome addiction, but it is not easy. It requires a lot of effort, self-control, support and access to resources. Having a strong support system and helpful resources can be key to overcoming addiction. Here is a list of resources for those struggling with addiction.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA is an organization that is dedicated to reducing the impact substance abuse and mental illness on the nation’s communities. They believe that behavioral health is essential to health, prevention works, treatment is effective and people can recover from mental and substance use disorders. SAMHSA was established by Congress in 1992 as a way to get mental health and substance abuse services to those who need them the most. They also provide funds and resources to states, communities, tribes, local organizations and territories to promote and improve the quality and availability of prevention, treatment and recovery support services.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Alcoholics Anonymous is an international fellowship of people who have struggled with alcohol addiction or abuse. Membership is free and open to everyone who wants to join and there are no age requirements. A.A. offers people with a support group of people who have also struggled with alcohol. They give person-to-person support by providing a sponsorship, someone to help you with your struggle and be there for you when you need them the most. They also have regular meetings where members share stories, advice and resources.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Narcotics Anonymous is a global, community based organization that offers recovery from the effects of addiction through a twelve-step program. NA is a free program that provides a group based meetings where peers can offer support, advice and a drug-free network.
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism is a resource that can be used by an individuals struggling with a substance abuse problem or addiction, as well as by their medical care giver. As one of the largest funders of alcohol research in the world, NIAAA proudly supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on human health and well-being. The overall goal of NIAAA is to educate individuals in addictions and its effects, along with helping them to connect with the help they need to get sober.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
National Institute on Drug Abuse’s mission is to lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction. The NIDA researches drug abuse and addiction to prefect a way of providing treatment to those with abuse or addiction problems and to offer prevention education to individuals before they too fall victim to drugs and other addictive substances.
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry
American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry works in educating, influencing and encouraging excellence in practice. Influencing care givers by providing policy and prevention for the field of Addiction Psychiatry. With a large number of individuals fighting addiction to drugs and/or alcohol holding a preexisting mental condition or having developed one during the course of their addiction it is important to treat the patient in all aspects of their addiction, finding the cause and treating it along with any and all effects.
United States Department of Veterans Affairs
United States Department of Veterans Affairs works to help US veterans throughout the Nation by providing them with education and the resources needed to treat addiction and psychological issues. The VA’s mission is to fulfill President Lincoln’s promise “To care for him who shall have borne the battle, and for his widow, and his orphan” by serving and honoring the men and women who are America’s veterans.” Regardless to where the veteran is in their life there are services to help them find success in life and sobriety.
Rethinking Drinking
Rethinking Drinking is a website and booklet have been produced by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA). A large majority of the content found within Rethinking Drinking’s website comes directly for major NIAAA population studies and clinical trials. The overall goal of Rethinking Drinking is to research, educate and prevent alcohol abuse and addiction, as well as to provide the treatment resources to individuals who have found themselves with an alcohol abuse problem.
Drug Free.org
Drug Free.org focuses on community education and prevention of teen drug use. Drug Free.org encourages individuals from all walks of life to get involved, bringing together renowned scientists, parent experts and communications professionals. Drug Free.org welcomes all to work together in the prevention of drug use and offers vital information to do so. For individuals finding themselves with a drug abuse problem they too can find the help that they need at DrugFree.org.
Gay City Health Project
Gay City Health Project works to educated and prevent drug and alcohol abuse along amongst the LGBT community. This website strongly promotes healthy choices, educational services and resources. The Gay City Health Project’s mission is to promote wellness in LGBT communities by providing health services, connecting people to resources, fostering arts, and building community.
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