If you’re a loved one of someone struggling with addiction, you may be looking for resources to help your family. California has various services and resources for families with loved ones struggling with addiction.
The following is a list of some of the most helpful resources available in California:
1. The Drug Policy Alliance
If you’re looking for information on how to help a loved one struggling with addiction, the Drug Policy Alliance has a downloadable toolkit with resources to help loved ones find help in their community.
The toolkit includes:
- A list of treatment centers, organizations, and other resources can be used as starting points to find someone ready for treatment or recovery services.
- A guide on discussing substance use disorder as an illness rather than a moral failure or character flaw.
- Information on the facts and effects of various drugs.
2. Families Anonymous
This international, 12-step support program can help families heal together. The organization has meetings worldwide and is committed to helping members recover from the effects of addiction in their lives.
Families Anonymous is a spiritual program that focuses on creating a healthy environment for family members struggling with substance abuse or other issues related to drug use.
They also have free and purchased literature for those interested in learning more about the program.
3. Nar-Anon
Another great resource is Nar-Anon, a program for friends and family members of people struggling with drug abuse or addiction.
The program is based on the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous, but it’s also open to anyone affected by someone else’s addiction, including spouses, parents, and children.
Nar-Anon provides support groups where you can meet others who understand what you’re going through and share your experiences with them.
This helps build a sense of community among those who are going through similar struggles.
It also provides an outlet for healthy discussions about handling challenging situations related to loved ones’ addictions.
This can include when they relapse after being clean for some time or if they refuse treatment altogether despite everyone else trying their best.
4. DrugFree.org
The Partnership at DrugFree.org is a national organization that provides education and resources to help prevent drug abuse and addiction among teenagers and young adults.
The Partnership’s website offers extensive information on recognizing signs of alcohol or drug use and advice on how parents can talk to their children about drugs without lecturing or scaring them away from seeking help if they need it in the future.
The Partnership also has various resources for families with loved ones struggling with addiction, including an online hotline where you can speak with someone about your situation anonymously (and confidentially), 24/7.
5. The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator created by SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse Treatment Facility Locator created by SAMHSA can help people find treatment facilities in their area.
This includes inpatient addiction treatment facilities, outpatient programs, and sober living environments where they can learn how to live soberly after completing treatment for their addiction(s).
The database contains information on over 16000 facilities across the country that provide substance abuse services.
The search results include contact information for each facility and information about its accreditation status, licensure status, and type of program offered (i.e., detoxification).
6. The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA has even more help for families supporting those with an addiction.
It provides various resources for people struggling with addiction, including information on mental health conditions that often co-occur with substance use disorders such as depression or anxiety.
They also support family members and loved ones of those suffering from addiction.
7. The California Department of Health Care Services
The California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) helps individuals find the right treatment center for their needs by providing information about programs across California, including those that accept Medi-Cal or Medicare benefits.
You can also search for rehab facilities near you on their website.
Similarly, the California Department of Public Health has a database of all licensed substance use disorder treatment providers in California.
It also offers free materials, such as brochures on how to help someone get into recovery or overcome addiction.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use disorder, please know that help is available.
You don’t have to face this alone–there are many people across the state who can support and guide you!