7 Organizations Helping People Break The Cycle Of Addiction

7 Resources for Fighting Addiction

Addiction Hope Presents Facts You Should Know About Benzodiazepine Abuse

U.S. Addiction Statistics

• More than 46 people each day die from prescription opioid overdoses
• Roughly 75% of heroin users misused prescription opioids before trying heroin
• More than 53% of prescription opioid users obtained their drugs from friends or relatives
• In 2017, 19.7 million American adults (aged 12 and older) battled a substance use disorder
• Drug overdose deaths have more than tripled since 1990
• Every year, 3.3 million fatalities result from the consumption of alcohol
• 23.1% of the U.S. population aged 12 or older participated in binge drinking during the past 30 days
• While it's estimated that 1 in 7 adults faces addiction, only 10% of those addicted receive treatment
• An American dies every 19 minutes from opioid or heroin overdose

Ending the Addiction Epidemic with the Center on Addiction

In Depth

Overcoming addiction can be an enormous challenge, made harder by the social stigma, the compounding effects of mental illness, and the toll it can take on the sufferer's networks of support. Recognizing the difficulty of wrestling with this problem alone, numerous companies and non-profit organizations are offering assistance to those combating substance abuse or other compulsions. In no particular order, we present seven resources for people working to overcome self-destructive behavior.

Beginning our overview at #1 is American Addiction Centers, which operates the nation's largest network of rehab facilities, and specializes in evidence based care. Their approach emphasizes dual diagnosis, in which substance abuse treatment is supplemented by identifying and addressing other psychological factors that exacerbate addiction. They provide assistance with detoxification and withdrawal, and a wide range of therapeutic options, from behavioral psychotherapy to twelve-step programs. AAC offers a guarantee that clients who complete ninety days of treatment will remain sober, or be entitled to free recovery services.

In conjunction with their work providing treatment, AAC conducts research in order to better understand the factors that drive addiction and recovery; they study questions such as perceptions of rehabilitation, the impact of substance abuse on relationships, and opinions about inappropriate drug use. They incorporate specialized and innovative techniques into the treatment process, such as neurofeedback or wilderness therapy, and their addiction-focused laboratory allows for careful supervision in detoxification and medication assisted recovery. They also offer sober living facilities and aftercare to support long-term sobriety.

They also offer sober living facilities and aftercare to support long-term sobriety.

Next up at #2 is Workit Health, an online program to assist individuals in overcoming problems with drugs and alcohol. Founded by Robin McIntosh and Lisa McLaughlin, Bay Area entrepreneurs who met in recovery from substance abuse, the platform is mobile-compatible, enabling users to receive support anywhere. Their counseling program gives twenty-four-hour access to therapeutic online courses, which users can work through with help from a dedicated recovery coach. The service has received accreditation from The Joint Commission as a treatment option that meets their rigorous standards.

Alongside their digital platform, Workit Health has physical clinics located in several states, offering medication-assisted treatment as part of a personalized care plan developed in conjunction with medical professionals. They also offer a program designed for employers, and their Workit Tribe feature provides support resources for people with a friend or family member suffering from substance abuse. They can provide drug and alcohol evaluations to help individuals decide on appropriate next steps, and they publish numerous articles sharing information about addiction and sobriety.

Coming in at #4 is CARITAS, an organization dedicated to fighting the interconnected issues of addiction and homelessness in the Richmond, Virginia metropolitan area. Part of a comprehensive organization called the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, this group operates the largest adult emergency shelter in the region; individuals staying there can work with case managers to help them transition to housing independence. They also run The Healing Place, a long-term residential program for recovery from alcohol or drug abuse.

Part of a comprehensive organization called the Greater Richmond Continuum of Care, this group operates the largest adult emergency shelter in the region; individuals staying there can work with case managers to help them transition to housing independence.

Residents of The Healing Place work through their addiction issues with the aid of courses, therapy, and a support network of others going through the same process. They also receive workforce development training to prepare for life after treatment; and the program includes family education workshops for friends and loved ones. Other services provided by CARITAS, like their furniture bank and their career preparation initiative, help community members to overcome the poverty that can exacerbate substance disorders. Supporters can contribute by donating funds, goods, or volunteer hours.

#5 in our review is UK Addiction Treatment Centres, a network of rehabilitation facilities across the United Kingdom. This organization offers medically-assisted detoxification and withdrawal support, as well as a wide variety of programs to overcome substance abuse. Their clinics range from short-term detox units to extended care residences for those needing ongoing assistance, and their recovery plans include options as diverse as Dialectical Behavioral Treatment, drumming therapy, and twelve-step programs.

UKAT's Addiction Awareness Education Programme partners with schools of all levels, providing seminars aimed at helping students understand the hazards of substance abuse and addictive behavior. The company also provides financial support to charitable recovery organizations, and operates the UKAT Alumni network to enable former patients to continue supporting one another, throughout long-term recovery and sobriety. Through their blog, they publish articles offering information about compulsive behaviors of all kinds.

Through their blog, they publish articles offering information about compulsive behaviors of all kinds.

Next in the order is #6, Seasons in Malibu. This high-end rehab center offers substance abuse and mental health treatment in a luxurious setting, taking a holistic approach that includes alternative therapies like acupuncture and yoga, along with one-on-one psychological counseling and expert medical care. Overlooking the famous Matador Beach, their facilities take advantage of their beautiful setting, incorporating nature-focused activities such as surfing and hiking into treatment, in order to aid patients in recovering emotional stability and well-being.

Seasons in Malibu provides a detox center where patients can work through withdrawal in comfortable accommodations, and under expert medical supervision. They offer a recovery experience tailored to the unique stresses of their clientele, many of whom occupy demanding professional positions, and their book Breaking Through provides inspirational stories, drawn from real people who have successfully overcome their substance issues through the program. The company produces numerous articles examining the challenges of addiction, the role of mental illness in self-destructive behaviors, and the habits that lead to recovery.

We'll conclude with #7, Center on Addiction. This organization, which merged in 2019 with Partnership for Drug-Free Kids, works to support families and address every aspect of the substance abuse crisis. They conduct extensive research into the extent, causes, and impacts of this widespread problem, as well as the most effective solutions. They provide educational materials for public consumption, offering scientific perspectives on questions like risk factors for addiction, methods for screening and intervention, and designing an individual treatment plan.

They conduct extensive research into the extent, causes, and impacts of this widespread problem, as well as the most effective solutions.

Much of Center on Addiction's mission focuses on changing the nation's approach to the problem, advocating for public policy that emphasizes prevention and treatment. They produce reports geared toward decision makers, outlining the cost of the addiction epidemic and proposing strategies to combat it. They also work to change the cultural mindset, with articles calling for reform, and urging families to take an active role in preventing self-destructive behavior. And they offer direct support services such as substance abuse coaching for parents. Interested readers can contribute with an online donation.