Where To Go When You’re Ready To Quit
The resources on this list will help you take the first steps towards treating your chemical dependencies, or to modify your use of alcohol or other drugs.
We draw heavily on the philosophy of Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR), which advances the concept that there are many paths to recovery. We know this to be true.
“Recovery can begin in a doctor’s office, treatment center, church, prison, peer support meeting or in one’s own home,” FAVOR points out. Approaches include medical treatment, private and public treatment programs, social-support groups, faith-based initiatives and self-directed recovery. Your journey can be guided by religious faith, spiritual experience or secular teachings.
If one program, method or meeting doesn’t work for you, keeping trying until you find one that does. As the National Institute of Drug Abuse states as the very first of its Thirteen Principles of Effective Drug Addiction Treatment: “No single treatment is appropriate for all individuals. Matching treatment settings, interventions, and services to each patient's problems and needs is critical.”
We respect the reality that some people identify themselves as “problem” users who are not clinically or psychologically addicted to their substance or substances of choice. As Narcotics Anonymous says in its helpful pamphlet, “Am I an Addict?” only you can answer the question. But if you feel don’t have a drug or drinking problem ’cept when you can’t get a drug or drink, recalling the Tom Waits lyrics, consider that you’ve may have crossed the threshold.
In any event, recognizing that you need to do something is the first step toward a more fulfilling life and we urge you to look into these alternatives.
SAMHSA Hotline and Online Database
The federal government’s Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a 24-hour hotline—1-800-662-HELP (4357)— for individuals and family members facing substance abuse issues. A recorded message in English or Spanish gives you the options of 1. speaking to someone about substance use or to request printed material 2. accessing referral information for a facility in your state.
SAMSHA also maintains an extensive online treatment facility locator. This SAMHA FAQ will help you with questions such as where to go if you don’t have money or insurance.
In the Rooms
At any time, from any place, you can find online discussions revolving around just about any topic in any Twelve Step group. If not, start a discussion of your own. In the Rooms is a welcoming place to test the waters of recovery fellowships and to get your questions answered. Registration is required but you only need give as much information as you are comfortable divulging.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
Block out any preconceived notions or apprehensions you might have, find a meeting near you on this list, and just go and listen. “Keep what you need and leave the rest” is one motto that works for many people who initially thought that the fellowship might not be for them.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
The Third Tradition of NA is “we focus on the disease of addiction rather than any particular drug…. When new members come to meetings, our sole interest is in their desire for freedom from active addiction and how we can be of help." The best way to find a meeting is through a local NA helpline or website.
NCADD's Consumer Guide to Medication-Assisted Recovery
A concise pamphlet in PDF form designed to educate the "consumer"—anyone considering medications to aid their own addiction recovery or that of a family member, and anyone who has reservations or questions about this pathway to recovery.
Faith-Based Organizations
FAVOR’s list includes Buddhist, Christian, Islamic and Jewish recovery organizations.
Other 12-Step Programs
FAVOR has compiled a comprehensive guide to other 12-Step groups from Advocates for the integration of recovery and methadone (AFIRM) to Secular Organization for Sobriety/Save Our Selves (SOS) and lots in between.
SMART Recovery
Smart Recovery (Self Management And Recovery Training) is a non-Twelve Step program that helps individuals gain independence from addiction to substances or activities “based on scientific knowledge” and “evidence-based practices.” There are more than 600 face-to-face meetings nationwide each week, as well as online groups.
Therapeutic Communities (TCs)
Therapeutic Communities such as Phoenix House and Odyssey House are long-term-residential programs (six to 12 months or more) with the goal of helping the individual gain the ability to return to society and lead productive lives. “Clients in a Therapeutic Community (TC) are members, as in a family setting,” says the TCA website, “they are not patients, as in an institution.” Members also play a significant role in managing the TC and act as positive role models.
Note: We will be supplementing and amending this list regularly. Please send recommendations to gretal@reneweveryday.com.