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Best Resources for Addiction Information
There are many addiction resource websites available for those struggling with alcohol or drug addiction. These websites provide scientific research, treatment information, and facts about the effects of substances on your health. They can also help point you in the right direction to find treatment for your specific needs.
Resources for Alcoholism
Several different groups provide treatment, counseling, and aftercare for people in recovery. Each person may respond differently to each group, so it’s important to research your options and find the best choice for yourself.
Some of the most popular and well-known alcohol abuse resources include:
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) — Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is one of the oldest and most known peer support groups for people with drinking problems. They provide meetings and support for people all around the world.
- Al-Anon — The Al-Anon program of recovery is adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. It is based on the Twelve Steps, the Twelve Traditions, and the Twelve Concepts of Service. Al-Anon is short for Al-Anon Family Groups. The organization allows relatives and friends of drinkers to provide mutual support by sharing their experiences.
- Alateen — Alateen is similar to Al-Anon, except the community consists of teenagers affected by someone else’s alcoholism. At Alateen meetings, young people share experiences, strengths, and hope to discover effective ways to cope with problems and discuss the difficulties of alcoholism. Members also encourage one another to learn and understand the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions.
- SMART Recovery — SMART Recovery is an international non-profit organization that helps people with substance or alcohol use disorder achieve sobriety. Their approach is secular and science-based.
- 12-Step Programs — The 12-step model is considered the standard for treatment by many different facilities and programs. Developed by Alcoholics Anonymous, this program is applied not only to people with drug and alcohol problems but people with all sorts of addictions.
- Women for Sobriety — this self-help group was founded in 1975. It is dedicated to helping those who identify as female in their addiction recovery journey.
- Staging an Intervention — An intervention is a way for loved ones to show their concern and support for someone suffering from addiction. In an intervention, they encourage the user to seek help. However, it can be a risky method, so it’s best to consult with a professional beforehand.
Resources for Drug Addiction
Some of the most popular and well-known drug addiction resource websites include:
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — The NIDA's mission is to, "advance science on the causes and consequences of drug use and addiction and to apply that knowledge to improve individual and public health." They are the national leader in scientific research for drug addiction and health.
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) — The NIMH provides research and information on a variety of mental health conditions. These include anxiety, autism, depression, eating disorder, suicide prevention, bipolar disorder, ADHD, and schizophrenia, among others.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) — The NIAAA supports and conducts research on the impact of alcohol use on health and well-being. This includes information on the effects of alcohol, facts about alcohol, and how to find treatment/support for addiction.
- Center for Substance Abuse Treatment (CSAT) — The mission of the CSAT is, "to promote community-based substance abuse treatment and recovery services for individuals and families in every community." This organization works to close the gap between available treatment capacity and demand. It also supports the adaptation and adoption of evidence-based treatment programs and helps improve substance abuse treatment systems.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) — Narcotics Anonymous (NA) was established in 1953. Since then, they’ve helped people all over the globe with their recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Addiction
Here are some of the most common questions and concerns regarding addiction:
How effective is addiction treatment?
Many factors will determine whether or not a treatment program is successful. Both the treatment facility and the patient have responsibilities. Learn how to maximize your chances of achieving a full recovery.
Is addiction treatment worth the cost?
Addiction costs people thousands of dollars, impacts their health, and can threaten their livelihood. Find out why addiction treatment is worth every penny.
Physical dependence vs. addiction?
These words are often used interchangeably. However, they actually have different meanings and can happen independently of each other or at the same time.
Can I beat my addiction on my own?
Many people struggle with overcoming addiction on their own. Support is an essential aspect of all treatment plans. Asking for help will increase your chance of recovery and help prevent relapses.
How long is addiction rehab?
Most addiction rehabilitation programs are set up in 30 day, 60 day, 90 day, or long-term durations. The appropriate length for an individual will depend on a number of factors.
How do mental health disorders impact addiction?
When someone is diagnosed with a mental health disorder as well as an addiction, this is called a dual-diagnosis. People with a dual diagnosis need specialized treatment that we’ll explain here.
What is an overdose?
An overdose occurs when someone takes too much of a substance and enters into a critical state. This can lead to severe health risks and even death.
Types of substance use disorders (SUD)
The type of substance use disorder a person has depends on the primary substance that they misuse. However, there are different types of substance use disorder diagnoses for special cases as well.
