Addiction Treatment Resources

Having access to reliable information can be useful for everyone who’s on their road to recovery from substance abuse. Addiction treatment resources provide useful information to people seeking treatment options and support. The families and friends of people struggling with addiction can also use them to discover the basic facts about substance abuse and learn how to help.

What Are the Different Types of Addiction Treatment Resources?

There are many different sources of correct and useful information on substance abuse. You can seek information and assistance from:

• National organizations that specialize in the research and treatment of addiction
• Foundations that aim to help people through substance abuse recovery
• Blogs, book, and publications
• Scientific studies
• Support groups
• Online forums
• Helplines
• Apps

What National Organizations Provide Addiction Treatment Resources?

For people interested in recovery from substance abuse and outpatient and inpatient treatment options, accurate information can be found at:

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): This federal institute, which operates under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, conducts drug abuse and addiction research.1 Their scientific studies delve into the key matters concerning addiction, such as understanding the effects of substance abuse on the body and mind, creating novel addiction treatment methods, and working on the prevention of drug abuse.
• National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Mental illness often accompanies substance abuse. NIMH is a leading federal agency for mental health research. It aims to achieve better understanding of mental illness, including substance use disorder, and works toward healing and prevention.²
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): The goal of this organization is to decrease the detrimental effects of mental illness and substance abuse across the U.S.³ It offers the Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator, which helps people find treatment facilities in the U.S. or U.S. Territories for substance use/addiction and/or mental health issues.⁴ This tool provides easier access to addiction treatment facilities.
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): NIAAA works to contribute to the body of knowledge on the impact of alcohol abuse on health and well-being.⁵ Its mission is to spread and implement scientific findings to help diagnose, treat, and prevent problems caused by alcohol.

What Support Groups Offer Substance Abuse Resources?

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, you can contact an established addiction treatment support group for useful resources and guidance:

• Alcoholics Anonymous: AA is a global network of people who are recovering from alcohol abuse. Founded in 1935, it is an important part of the history of substance abuse treatment. It is open to everyone who wishes to address their drinking problem, regardless of age, education, race, or politics.6 Recovery is achieved through treatment options such as group therapy and the 12-step program. You can find a meeting near you easily because AA operates worldwide..
• Narcotics Anonymous: Inspired by the success of Alcoholics Anonymous, NA is an international fellowship of people who are working on overcoming their substance abuse.⁷ It also makes use of group therapy and the 12-step approach.
• Secular Organizations for Sobriety (SOS): While spirituality is the basis for 12-step programs, SOS takes a secular approach to dealing with addictive behaviors and achieving sobriety.⁸ It focuses on rational decision-making instead of finding strength in religion or spirituality.
• SMART Recovery: Self-Management and Recovery Training is a worldwide community of people who want to resolve problems with any addiction. They use a four-point program and apply scientifically validated methods designed to empower people to change and to develop a more positive lifestyle.⁹
• Women for Sobriety: This is an organization with the purpose of helping women who suffer from drug or alcohol abuse find a path to sobriety.10 It is the first support group exclusively geared toward women seeking addiction treatment.

Unsure where to start? Take Our Substance Abuse Self-Assessment

Take our free, 5-minute substance abuse self-assessment below if you think you or someone you love might be struggling with substance abuse. This evaluation consists of 11 yes or no questions that are designed to be used as an informational tool to assess the severity and probability of a substance use disorder. The test is free, confidential, and no personal information is needed to receive the result. Please be aware that this evaluation is not a substitute for advice from a medical doctor.