You’re not alone

Renowned speaker, author and addiction expert, Dr. Gabor Mate, defines addiction as…

“any behavior that a person craves, finds temporary relief or pleasure in but suffers negative consequences as a result of, and yet has difficulty giving up.”

-Dr. Gabor Mate

This broad definition appropriately captures many different behaviors that should be included in the conversation of addiction: self-Injury, food, sex, relationships, alcohol, drugs, gaming, social media, shopping, and possessing items/clutter

Where to get help

Levels of care

  • 12-step meetings: Local in-person/zoom meetings for those seeking a desire to end their addiction. Meetings last roughly an hour long and are available 24/7. A wonderful place to get local support, a sense of community and belonging. Below are links to find meetings in your area.

  • I.O.P. (Intensive Outpatient): Part-time, 3 days a week, 10-15 hours a week. Individuals can receive individual and group therapy.

  • P.H.P. (Partial Hospitalization Program): Full-time, 5 days a week, ~8 hours a day. Individuals can receive individual and group therapy.

  • Halfway-House: Temporary housing for those in recovery. Offered by many rehabs and can be a great transition into sober living.

  • Rehabilitation Programs (Inpatient Programs): 3 wks- 6/12 month durations were individuals both live and participate in treatment on-site. Many rehab program link individuals to Half-way house and IOP/PHP services.

  • Crisis Bed/Crisis Stabilization Center: ~3 day inpatient stay for stabilization. Many centers offer detox services and connect individuals to IOP,PHP, Rehab services

  • Detox Center: ~ 3 day inpatient stay for detoxification from the physical dependence of chronic alcohol and drug use.

    ***withdrawals from chronic alcohol and benzodiazepines (i.e. Xanax, Valium, etc.) can cause seizures and other life threatening conditions; and should be medically supervised***

  • Emergency Room: In some cases, those with addictions can be deemed a harm to themself or others (i.e. suicidal ideation/homicidal ideation), in which case they can go to any emergency room and be evaluated by medical and licensed mental health provider. From here many move onto an inpatient psychiatric stay (7-10 days), and then to IOP, PHP or Rehab.

    Click here to find treatment in your area

Alcohol Use Disorder:

  • Craving: A strong urge to drink alcohol.

  • Loss of control: Inability to limit the amount of alcohol consumed.

  • Physical dependence: Developing tolerance to alcohol and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not drinking.

  • Negative consequences: Continuing to drink despite harmful consequences.

  • Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritizing alcohol use over work, school, or family obligations.

  • Risky behaviors: Engaging in dangerous activities while under the influence.

Substance Use Disorder:

  • Craving: A strong urge to use the substance.

  • Loss of control: Inability to limit the amount of the substance used.

  • Physical dependence: Developing tolerance to the substance and experiencing withdrawal symptoms when not using.

  • Negative consequences: Continuing to use the substance despite harmful consequences.

  • Neglecting responsibilities: Prioritizing substance use over work, school, or family obligations.

  • Risky behaviors: Engaging in dangerous activities while under the influence.

Note: These are general signs and symptoms, and specific manifestations may vary depending on the substance.

Additional information and resources can be found here: Sign and Symptoms of Drug Addiction , What is Alcoholism?

Support for Family

and Friends

Being a loved one of someone going through addiction has its own unique experiences. We can get pulled into their chaotic world, and it can leave us feeling powerless. Support for loved ones of those going through addiction is just as important. Below are some links to support groups around the U.S. and abroad.

  • Adult Children of Alcoholics and Dysfunction Families (ACoA): This is a wonderful support group for those who grew up in a house hold where addiction or dysfunctional behaviors were present. Here are the traits of an ACoA:

    • If any of these traits resonate with you, reach out and see if any meetings are in your area

  • Al-Anon Family: If you have a loved one or care about someone with a drinking problem. This might be the support group for you and is open to teens and adults

  • Nar-Anon Family: If you have a loved on or care about someone with drug addiction; check out these support groups in your area. Open to both teens and adults.