Where to Get Help for an Alcohol or Drug Problem

To live or die is not an easy decision for those who are suffering from alcohol and/or drug addiction. It certainly was not an easy decision for me. Bertrand Russell, one of the leading 20th century philosophers, said “We love our habits more than our income, often more than our life”. In addition to Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and Marijuana Anonymous there are private drug addiciton programs that can help but at a cost.

Looking in the phone book under “Drug Abuse and Addiciton Information and Treatment Centers” you can find organizations such as, “Alternatives for a Better Living”, “Chemical Dependency Recovery Center”, and “Mountain Vista Farm” which are there to help those afflicted with addiction. Fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous have 24-hour hotlines located in the classifieds and phone book. Kaiser Permanente provides a “Chemical Dependency Recovery Program” for those who are members. There is also a directory of Drug Rehabilitation Centers nationwide located at www.usdrugrehabcenters.com.

If you don’t have the funds for a costly rehab program, not to worry because fellowships like Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), Narcotics Anonymous (NA) do not require any dues or fees. However, the only requirement for membership in A.A . “is a desire to stop drinking”. Speaking from experience I would recommend enrollment in a private rehab because of the specialized care that private rehab centers can offer. Ultimately however, your success depends on how much you want sobriety. Statistics show and the majority of doctors agree that fellowships such as Alcoholics Anonymous have the best success rate in long term treatment of addiction. The late Dr. John F. Stouffer, Chief Psychiatrist, Philadelphia General Hospital, speaking of his patients experience with A.A., said: “The alcoholics we get here at Philadelphia General are mostly those who cannot afford private treatment, and A.A. is by far the greattest thing we have been able to offer them. Even among those who occasionally land back in here again, we observe a profound change in personality. You would hardly recognize them.”

So if you think you have a problem NEVER be afraid to ask for help! There are people out there who want to help you relieve yourself of this incurable disease. Remember alcoholism and addiction are a social, medical, and a spiritual disease. Addiction is part of human nature and if inflicts millions of people. It is what I have heard called and equal opportunity disease meaning it doesn’t matter if you are rich, poor, black, white, educated, not educated etcetera people of cultures and backgrounds are at risk. Don’t let your fear, guilt, and shame get in the way to seek help because after all this is your life you are dealing with. The options for not getting help are grim and there are only three– “jails, institutions, or death”. Remember NEVER be afraid to ask for help and begin your journey of recovery and start a new life filled with health, happiness, and self-discovery.