Addiction is a devastating illness, and overcoming it can sometimes seem impossible for those whose lives have been taken over by drug or alcohol use. Knowledge is power, and supplying recovering addicts with a list of available resources can help bolster their arsenal of weapons in the fight against addiction. A number of helpful resources are available at no charge to those who desire freedom from the downhill spiral of drug and alcohol abuse.
National Institute on Drug Abuse
The National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, is a government branch of the National Institutes of Health. It has two main focuses: conducting research, and disseminating information to help patients and care providers in dealing with addiction.
The NIDA website and literature are helpful to health professionals seeking better understanding of addiction and its treatment. For patients, NIDA offers such helpful tools as an online drug screening questionnaire and a search engine that provides access to articles on every kind of addictive substance commonly in popular use. Resources for parents and teachers are available, and researchers will find information on funding opportunities for scientific studies into addiction and recovery.
Narcotics Anonymous
Anyone who is looking to escape the crippling effects of addiction can walk into a Narcotics Anonymous meeting, anywhere in the world, and find the company of kindred spirits who want to help. Based on the 12 step model of Alcoholics Anonymous, NA is a fellowship of recovering addicts and a resource for finding strength, support and freedom from addiction. Every week, over 58,000 different Narcotics Anonymous meetings are held worldwide. It costs nothing to join and all are welcome.
Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator
When an individual is ready to commit to a program of recovery by entering a drug rehabilitation center, its important to choose an institution that appropriately addresses her unique needs. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers an online Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator.
By entering their location into a search engine, visitors to the website can create a map that lists all the treatment facilities within a desired radius. Contact information for all of the treatment facilities is provided, along with information about the types of treatment offered, and the accepted forms of payment. The locator has information on over 11,000 addiction treatment facilities throughout the United States (see Resources).
