If your loved one is suffering from the disease of addiction, finding the addiction resources and help that you need can feel overwhelming. Friends and family, in particular, are apt to be confused and to feel fear for their loved one. Addiction can be difficult to understand if you’ve never suffered from it or been close to someone in its grip.
Knowing where to find answers to your questions is important so that you can come to terms with this serious disease. If you have a loved one battling addiction, consider the following helpful resources that can help you and your loved one throughout the recovery process.
General Information on Drug and Alcohol Addiction
To learn more about the science of drug abuse and addiction, the National Institute on Drug Addiction is a solid place to begin your research. While it offers an abundance of general information about addiction, it also provides information and links about specific types of addictions, substances, and treatments. From up-to-date statistics to practical information about the signs and symptoms of addiction, this agency will provide you with a broad array of information about all aspects of chemical dependency.
NIDA’s resource pages will provide you with other helpful links, particularly to specific types of substance abuse (i.e. alcohol, prescription drugs, illicit drugs) that will provide you with more information.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website is another government website that is an excellent source of information. Their mission is to reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness in America.
You might also want to visit your local library for books about specific types of addiction.
Addiction Support and Help for the Family
Addiction is often a disease that impacts the entire family. As a family unit, it can be extremely difficult to figure out how best to support a loved one who is an addict or who may or may not be open to treatment. Groups like Al-Anon and Nar-Anon offer support for the families of alcoholics and drug addicts, whether they are in treatment or not. These groups can also offer families a good deal of helpful information on their websites and in person. Attending meetings is a great way to remember that you’re not alone; many other families are dealing with their own addiction crisis, too.
Addiction Resources at Recovery Addiction Services
Another great place for addiction and recovery resources is the Recovery Addiction Services website, recoveryas.com. They have a comprehensive drug and alcohol addiction treatment directory, a recovery and addiction resource blog, as well as a full staff of addiction specialists that is available 24/7 to assist you in finding the right treatment options in your area based on your (or your loved one’s) individual needs.
By learning about all aspects of addiction, the more informed you will be about this chronic disease. Becoming informed not only helps you but also your loved one battling addiction. These addiction resources can help you make informed decisions about treatment or even the day-to-day living with an addict. Be sure to check them out so you can begin to build your knowledge base asap.
