If you’re struggling with a substance abuse disorder, know that you’re not alone. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), about 20.4 million people in the United States suffer or have suffered from a substance abuse disorder. The good news is that there are many resources available to help you on your road to recovery. Here are some ways to get help.
1. Talk to your doctor.
If you think you might have a problem with drugs or alcohol, the first person you should talk to is your doctor. He or she can screen you for substance abuse disorders and help connect you with resources like addiction counselors and support groups.
And if you’re in urgent need of a detox, a doctor can also arrange the necessary procedures for you. For example, an opiate detox is a form of detox that’s done in a hospital or other medical facility. It’s usually overseen by doctors and nurses who can help manage any withdrawal symptoms you may experience.
In addition, legitimate websites provide information on prevention, treatment, and recovery from substance abuse disorders. You only need to take the initiative to seek out this information.
2. Join a support group.
Many types of support groups are available, including Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery. These groups provide a supportive environment where you can share your experiences and receive encouragement from others who are going through the same thing.
For example, there are 12-step programs that help people recover from alcoholism and drug addiction. Self-empowering programs also help people recover from all types of addictive behaviors.
Support groups are usually free or very low-cost, and you can find them in most communities. Regardless of which type of group you choose, know that you don’t have to go through recovery alone.
3. See a therapist.
Substance abuse disorders often go hand-in-hand with mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. Seeing a therapist can help you manage any underlying mental health issues that may be fueling your addiction.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that has been shown to be particularly effective in treating substance abuse disorders. CBT helps you identify and change the thoughts and behaviors contributing to your addiction.
If you don’t have insurance or if your insurance doesn’t cover therapy, there are still options available to you. Many therapists offer sliding-scale fees, which means they charge based on your ability to pay. There are also many low-cost or free therapy options available through community mental health centers. In addition, there are online therapy options that can be convenient and affordable.
4. Enter a treatment program.
Treatment programs offer intensive outpatient or inpatient care for those struggling with addiction. These programs typically last 30 days or longer and include individual therapy, group therapy, and activities like yoga and meditation.
Inpatient programs require you to stay at the treatment facility for the duration of the program. This can be a good option if you’re struggling with a severe addiction and need 24-hour supervision.
On the other hand, outpatient programs allow you to live at home while attending treatment during the day. This can be a good option if you have a strong support system at home and need more flexibility in your treatment schedule.
Both inpatient and outpatient programs can be very effective in treating substance abuse disorders. The key is to find a program that meets your specific needs.
5. Get involved in sober activities.
One of the best things you can do for your recovery is to find sober activities that you enjoy and make them a part of your daily routine. This could include things like attending concerts, going hiking, or joining an intramural sports team.
Sober activities can help you stay focused on your recovery and provide a positive outlet for your energy. They can also help you build a support network of other people in recovery, which can be an invaluable asset during difficult times.
It’s important to find sober activities that you enjoy so that you don’t start to associate recovery with boredom or deprivation. Recovery is about finding joy in sobriety, not just enduring it.
Final Thoughts
There is no one-size-fits-all solution for overcoming substance abuse disorders, but there are different resources available to help you on your journey to recovery. Talk to your doctor, join a support group, see a therapist, enter a treatment program, and get involved in sober activities. By taking advantage of these resources, you’ll be on your way to living a healthier, drug-free life!
