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You might not know where to turn if you or a loved one are dealing with a substance addiction like opioid use disorder (OUD). You might feel overwhelmed or hesitant to seek help because of a perceived stigma around the condition. However, there are plenty of resources for nonjudgmental support available for both you and your loved ones.
This article explores a range of resources to support substance addiction recovery.
Helplines are phone numbers you can call for help, where people are on the line 24 hours a day. You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline for free, confidential support any time of day and any day of the year. You can reach them at 800-662-HELP (4357).
The SAMHSA national helpline offers information in English and Spanish for people experiencing substance use disorders and their loved ones. The service can connect you to local treatment facilities, community organizations, and support groups, so it’s a great place to start when navigating your recovery.
SAMHSA also offers a convenient text messaging service called HELP4U. By texting your five-digit zip code to HELP4U (435748), you can find substance addiction resources near you.
If you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide, you can call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988. Call 911 or emergency services if you or someone you know is at an immediate risk for self-harm.
An inpatient or residential rehab program offers nonjudgmental and supportive care for substance use disorder in a controlled setting. You stay in a residential facility to receive personalized care from trained professionals, which might involve medically supervised withdrawal (detoxification). Around 1 in 4 people getting treatment for OUD receive treatment in an inpatient facility.
Many inpatient programs for opioid use disorder also involve medication-assisted treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), which can improve addiction treatment outcomes.
A major benefit of an inpatient program, compared to outpatient treatment, is that it provides a structured environment where substances aren’t easily accessible. (Learn more about what to expect from an opioid addiction treatment center.)
You can find inpatient rehab programs in your area by calling SAMHSA's national helpline or by searching websites like FindTreatment.gov.
Unlike inpatient care, outpatient counseling for opioid use doesn’t involve an overnight stay in a hospital or rehab center. In outpatient care, you visit a treatment center or counselor during scheduled hours on specific days and can return home the same day. It’s a little more flexible, since you can continue going to work or school while you’re in treatment. Outpatient programs also tend to be more affordable than inpatient programs.
Outpatient treatment for opioid use varies in the level of care and services offered. Your counselor will take account of your individual needs. Your outpatient treatment might involve:
You can have medication-assisted treatment in inpatient or outpatient care. Although treatment outcomes between inpatient and outpatient care are similar, the use of medication-assisted treatment in either setting can significantly reduce the risk of overdose.
There are currently three medications for opioid use disorder approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA):
Medication-assisted treatment combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. MOUDs can help block the effects of opioids, reduce cravings, and restore brain chemistry.
Peer support groups give you the chance to connect with people who have similar experiences, either as a person living with a substance use disorder or as the loved one of someone living with a substance use disorder. The people in your support group aren’t professionals, but they can offer understanding about your recovery. Some support groups are led by licensed counselors or medical professionals.
Meeting with a support group in person lets you connect with others in your area during regular meetings. Several national groups offer local, in-person meetings. You can find a support group near you using the search feature on their websites:
You may also call SAMHSA to find local or national support groups near you. Some local organizations and community centers offer support groups separate from national groups like these.
Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are both 12-step programs, which follow a structured framework involving 12 activities participants can complete within the program. Both AA and NA encourage members to be active in their recovery by supporting other members, accepting addiction as a disease that can be in remission but not fully cured, and focusing on personal and spiritual growth.
Some support groups offer online meetings, which might be a more convenient or accessible option for you. The following organizations offer online meetings for recovery support:
Beyond outpatient programs, inpatient programs, and support groups, you or your loved ones might need extra support while navigating a substance use disorder.
Family-based counseling can help improve treatment engagement and outcomes for people living with substance use disorders. Concerned family members and significant others can play key roles in supporting their loved ones as they go through treatment, either by participating in family counseling sessions or being trained in overdose recognition and response.
Some support groups are geared toward family members of people living with opioid addiction, including Nar-Anon Family Groups and Learn to Cope.
Sometimes the cost of addiction care prevents people from getting the help they need. Some insurance plans can help cover substance addiction care. If you have little or no insurance coverage, some state- and federally funded organizations offer financial assistance for substance use treatment. You might be able to get assistance from:
Always talk to a healthcare provider or mental health professional if you think you or a loved one needs help with opioid use disorder. A trusted medical provider can help you access the treatment you need. They may be able to direct you to local resources and organizations in your area too.
MyDepressionTeam is the social network for people with depression and other mental health conditions and their loved ones. On MyDepressionTeam, more than 150,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with depression and other mental health conditions.
Have you experienced a substance use disorder? Which resources for recovery have you used? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.
Ifeanyi Nwaka, M.D.
earned his medical degree from the American University of Antigua College of Medicine.
Learn more about him here.
Emily Van Devender
is a freelance health writer based in Portland, Oregon.
Learn more about her here.
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