Addiction Recovery Resources: Treatment, Tools, Harm Reduction, and Peer Support

Written By Lynn Seymour

Addiction is an overwhelming condition. Many people say that admitting you need help is the first step to recovery, but if you’re dealing with substance abuse, you may not know where to start. Even if you’re well into your recovery journey, it’s always a good idea to have plenty of resources at your fingertips. 

If you or a loved one are dealing with addiction, the following resources may help you during your recovery. These resources include ways to find treatment, support, tools, and options for paying for addiction treatment. 

Important Note: Inclusion in this document should not be taken as endorsement by Mindful Phoenix or its writer(s). The author/site owner has not personally vetted each of the resources listed in this document. This document is simply a compilation of options and resources. If you use any of the resources below, you should do your own research before trying them or making a commitment, and you assume responsibility for your use of these resources. We’ve done our best to include up-to-date information at the time of writing, but we cannot guarantee that all of the information below will be accurate and unchanged by the time the reader sees it. 



Addiction Treatment Resources: Finding Addiction Treatment 

When it comes to addiction treatment, one of the biggest hurdles people face is finding the right substance abuse program. That’s why addiction treatment resources should include ways to find addiction treatment.

If you have a primary care doctor, you might consider asking them for a referral. You can also look for addiction treatment resources and addiction programs near you by using the following directories. 


General Addiction Treatment Directories 


  • FindTreatment.gov: This directory is maintained by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). People can search for addiction treatment facilities and mental health facilities. Search results display helpful information such as payment options accepted. 

  • National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers (NAATP): This directory displays addiction treatment programs that have earned NAATP membership. 

  • Find a Treatment Center: This search tool from Psychology Today allows people to search programs by location. Psychology Today also maintains a directory of psychiatrists, therapists, online therapy options, and support groups. 

  • VA Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Programs: The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers SUD services for veterans and active duty military members. Its website maintains a list of program locations.  

  • Counselor Find: The National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) maintains a list of certified counselors by location. 


Medication-Assisted Addiction Treatment Directories 




Paying for Substance Abuse Treatment 


Another big hurdle that people face is paying for addiction treatment. The following options have helped people pay for care, reduce the cost of care, and find affordable addiction treatment services.

Commercial Health Insurance 


If you have commercial health insurance, start by looking at your plan’s website. Many commercial health insurance programs cover mental health services, including addiction care. Coverage varies by plan, state, and other factors. 

Affordable Care Act 


The Affordable Care Act (ACA) is a subsidy program that allows people to purchase healthcare coverage through the U.S. Health Insurance Marketplace. If you meet certain criteria and do not have commercial health insurance, you might consider enrolling in an ACA plan during the enrollment period. 

Medicare and Medicaid 

Medicare and Medicaid can sometimes be used as addiction treatment resources. Several addiction treatment programs accept one or both.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for Americans ages 65 and older. People with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) may be eligible for Medicaid at an earlier age. Medicare provides coverage for many mental health services, including some types of addiction care, depending on your plan. 


Medicaid is a federal and state-funded program that provides health insurance for people who make a low income. Requirements for eligibility vary by state and program. Like Medicare, Medicaid covers certain mental health and addiction services. You can learn more about eligibility and services by visiting your state’s Medicaid website. 


Children’s Health Insurance Program 


Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) is similar to Medicaid and other public health insurance programs. Children are eligible for CHIP if their family’s income is too high to qualify for Medicaid but too low to afford commercial health coverage. Though the amount of coverage varies by plan and state, CHIP does cover some substance abuse and behavioral health services. 


Federally Qualified Health Centers 

Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are organizations that provide medical care in under-served areas. They fund their services, in part, through grants. Among other requirements, to qualify as an FQHC, an organization must: 

  • qualify for enhanced reimbursement through Medicare and Medicaid 

  • offer a sliding fee scale 

  • provide comprehensive care, including mental health care 


Therefore, many people may access free or low-cost addiction care through an FQHC. If you are part of a medically under-served community, use the Find a Health Center tool to find out if there is an FQHC in your area. 


Addiction Treatment Scholarships and Financial Assistance 


Several addiction programs, especially nonprofit organizations, offer scholarships to clients who cannot afford treatment for addiction. Scholarships are usually offered through individual programs, and you can find them by searching for addiction treatment scholarships in your area. 


However, some states and nonprofit organizations offer more general scholarships and addiction recovery resources. Eligibility varies by program. Some addiction treatment scholarship options include: 


Note that some of the programs above are location-specific and not available to everybody. Some of these programs may also be temporarily closed to new applicants. Keep checking these programs’ websites for updated information and eligibility requirements. 

State-Funded Treatment Centers 


State-funded addiction programs provide care for those who might not otherwise be able to afford treatment for addiction. They often serve people who don’t have health insurance coverage. Eligibility varies by state. You can search state-funded addiction treatment programs in your area to learn more. 


Faith-Based Treatment Centers 


Some substance abuse programs offer faith-based addiction recovery resources. In addition to substance abuse services, they may have religious services, Bible studies, faith-centered counseling, and similar activities. Several religious treatment programs provide free or low-cost care, particularly if they are funded through a church or other place of worship. 

Nonprofit Treatment Centers 


Nonprofit treatment centers are addiction programs that do not seek to earn a profit. Any profit made by these organizations must be reinvested into the program. They are funded by donations, grants, and similar sources. Some of these programs are faith-based, while others are secular. Because they do not seek a profit from clients, they often have lower costs than for-profit care programs. 


Some programs are free or offer low-cost care for eligible clients. Many of these programs are listed under the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics. 



Rural Health Clinics 


Rural Americans face significant challenges when it comes to finding healthcare, including addiction treatment services. Rural health clinics aim to make things easier, often at a much lower cost than other healthcare options. Many patients who use rural health clinics do not have health insurance. In these clinics, nurses and physicians’ assistants provide care, which is covered by certain Medicare and Medicaid plans. 

Rural health clinics provide outpatient primary care services, which may include screening for substance use disorders, and in some cases, MAT options. Rural health clinics that do not offer substance abuse treatment may still refer patients to services that do provide these services, and they may help patients find options to reduce the cost of addiction care. 


Sliding Fee Scales 

Much like therapists and other mental health professionals, addiction treatment services often have sliding fee scales. These are rates based on the client’s income. Those who make a lower income pay less than those who make a higher income. You can contact programs in your area to ask about sliding fee scale options, or you can check websites for addiction services near you. 

Payment Plan Options 

Some addiction treatment programs have payment plan options, allowing clients to make payments over time. These programs often mention their payment plans on their websites, but you can also contact programs directly to ask if they offer this type of option. 


Fundraising Platforms 


Due to the high cost of healthcare in the U.S., some people use fundraising platforms to cover medical treatment, including treatment for addiction. If you’re considering fundraising for substance abuse treatment, some of your options include: 



Each of these platforms has its own advantages and disadvantages. GoFundMe is perhaps the most well-known of the options listed above. You can look up each platform individually and explore reviews to decide which one may work best for your needs. 


Medical Billing Advocates 


Medical billing advocates are people who help patients understand their medical bills, and they can even help patients negotiate their costs and reduce treatment rates. They may be especially helpful for those who have received medical detox services in a hospital. 

Some hospitals have patient advocates on staff. If your loved one is receiving hospital services, ask a staff member if you can speak to an advocate. 


Other medical billing advocates work for private agencies. They may charge an hourly rate, or they may charge a percentage of the amount of money that they save you through their negotiations. If you decide to use a private medical billing advocate, look for services in your area that offer free consultations. 

Reducing Costs Through Outpatient Drug and Alcohol Treatment 


There are several levels of addiction care available. Inpatient and residential programs provide room and board as well as addiction treatment. Outpatient programs provide treatment during the day, but participants return home when not receiving care. 

Because outpatient programs are less intensive than inpatient and residential programs, they may not be appropriate for those with severe addictions or significant medical concerns. However, they do generally cost less. If cost of care is a concern, you might consider outpatient treatment services as a more affordable addiction treatment options.


Free Addiction Recovery Support Groups 


Support groups, including Alcoholics Anonymous and similar groups, are not the same as addiction treatment. They are gatherings where you can connect with other people who also experience addiction. Although they are not substitutes for addiction treatment, they are available at no cost. 


Furthermore, members of your local group might have insight on low-cost addiction treatment options, particularly if they have pursued these options themselves. See the section on peer support for addiction below. 



Accreditation and Membership Organizations for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Services


Accrediting bodies and membership organizations can give you some idea about a treatment provider’s quality of care. These organizations require treatment providers to meet specific standards before awarding accreditation or membership. 

Harm Reduction Resources 


Harm reduction is the practice of decreasing risk for people who use drugs. It does not remove all health and safety hazards of using drugs, but it often prevents overdose and minimizes the spread of disease. Harm reduction is life-saving, especially for people who cannot access treatment. For many, it also serves as a bridge into drug and alcohol treatment programs or addiction support groups. 

  • National Harm Reduction Coalition (NHRC): This organization advocates for justice and harm reduction resources for people who use drugs. It maintains a resource page for people to find overdose prevention services, supervised consumption sites, clean syringes, and other harm reduction options. 

  • North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN): NASEN is a directory of syringe exchange programs throughout the United States and Canada. 

  • Naloxone: Naloxone is a medication (usually a nasal spray) that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. Anybody can carry naloxone, and it is easy to use. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist about carrying naloxone. 

  • GetTested: The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has a directory that people can use to search for STD testing in their area. Anyone who uses drugs via syringe should be tested for STDs. 

  • Substance test kits: Fentanyl test strips are small strips of paper that can be used to test for fentanyl in other substances. 

  • Safer sex kits: Safer sex kits consist of condoms and other STD-preventing measures. Many universities and health clinics offer safer sex kits, often for free or at a low cost. Many harm reduction organizations also provide these kits. 



Peer Addiction Recovery Support Groups 

Peer support resources allow people in recovery to connect with other people in recovery. These include both faith-based and secular services. Some people attend addiction support groups to supplement their treatment plans.



Recovery Housing 


Recovery housing includes group homes, dormitories, and apartments where drugs and alcohol are not allowed. These communities are specifically designed for people in recovery, removing temptation and facilitating peer-to-peer addiction recovery support. These environments provide a transitional space between structured treatment and the “real world” outside of treatment. 

You can find sober living options by searching “sober living homes near me” or checking out the National Sober Living Association. Additionally, if you attend addiction treatment, your treatment facility may own recovery housing facilities, or they may be able to recommend sober living communities near you. 


Addiction and Inclusivity Resources 

Different communities face different challenges when it comes to addiction and substance abuse. For example, some communities face discrimination, which heightens addiction risk. Other communities face risk factors such as PTSD. For many people the best addiction recovery support services are those that address specific community needs.


The following resources are available for people who want to connect with peers, therapists, and treatment resources who understand their specific challenges. Some of the resources below focus on addiction specifically, while others focus on general mental health or other issues that can contribute to addiction. 

Note that some national support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, also have smaller groups that support people with specific identities. 


Addiction Resources for People of Color 




Addiction Resources for Women, Parents, and Pregnant People 



Additionally, several addiction treatment programs serve women, pregnant people, and parents of young children. You can search for these addiction treatment programs in your area. 

Addiction Resources for Disabled People 

The resources below include addiction-specific resources, general mental health resources, and tools for advocacy and accommodation in healthcare settings. 


If you’re looking for addiction treatment services for people with your disability, you can also search for the services that are closest to you. 

The lists below are non-exhaustive and do not include all disabilities. However, some resources can be helpful for people with a range of disabilities. These include: 

  • Find a Therapist: a search tool for mental health support, with filters that can help you find an allied therapist

  • Inclusive Therapists: a directory of therapists that help a diverse range of communities, including disabled people

  • ADA National Network: resources to help disabled people understand their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act 


Dual Diagnosis 


Autism and ADHD  





Deaf, Hard of Hearing, Blind, and Visually Impaired 


Mobility Impaired and Mobility Aid Users 



Addiction Resources for LGBTQIA People 

Addiction Resources for Unhoused People 


Addiction Resources for Veterans 


Additionally, many addiction treatment programs throughout the United States have veteran-specific programs. You can search for veteran addiction programs in your area. 


Addiction Resources for Children, Teens, and Young Adults 



Additionally, many addiction treatment programs throughout the United States have youth-specific programs. Also, if you attend college, your campus may have support groups meetings. You can search for options in your area. 



Addiction Recovery Apps

Addiction recovery apps and online resources can’t replace addiction treatment, but they can help you supplement your treatment, give you tools to cope with difficulties, and track your sobriety. 


  • Recovery Path: a CBT-based app with addiction recovery exercises 

  • Nomo: a sobriety tracker with a journal and other tools

  • SMART Recovery App: educational materials on addiction and recovery

  • Quitzilla: a simple sobriety tracking app with rewards and motivation tools. This app can also be used to overcome bad habits, such as procrastination. 

  • WeConnect Health: an app with virtual addiction support groups and a meetings directory 

  • I Am Sober: a sobriety tracker with motivational messages and opportunities to connect with others



Support Groups for Friends and Family of People with Addictions


  • NAMI Family Support Groups: support groups for people whose loved ones experience mental health conditions 

  • LifeRing Friends and Family: LifeRing support groups meetings for the loved ones of people with substance use disorders

  • Al-Anon: support groups for the loved ones of people with alcohol use disorder

  • Nar-Anon: support groups of the loved ones of people with substance use disorders

  • Alateen: support groups for teens who have a loved one dealing with alcohol addiction 

  • Adult Children of Alcoholics: support groups for adults whose parents experience alcohol addiction 


Addiction Treatment Helplines and Educational Resources 


These resources include hotlines, helplines, and ways to learn more about addiction and substance abuse. 


Addiction Treatment Helplines and Hotlines 

These helplines and hotlines include ways to find addiction care, as well as ways to find help for issues that may contribute to addiction.


Learning More about Substance Abuse  

These are addiction recovery resources for people who want to learn more about drug and alcohol abuse.





DISCLAIMER: MINDFUL PHOENIX DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The site owner is not a doctor. All information provided by Mindful Phoenix is for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a replacement for legitimate medical care, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified medical professional if you have healthcare concerns or require a diagnosis or treatment. Do not delay or avoid medical treatment because of something you read on this website. Do not ignore, alter, or disregard advice or treatment from your healthcare provider due to information on this website. By using this website, you agree that neither Mindful Phoenix, its owner, or any guest writers are liable for any risks or effects associated with using the information on this site.



Lynn Seymour
Next

What are the Different Types of Anxiety Disorders?