Recovery Network

Substance Use & Recovery

Understand your options and find the right path forward

Where to Start

Not sure which path is right? Use this guide to help determine your next step based on your situation.

If you are unsure about severity or next steps

Start with a consultation to understand your options and get personalized guidance.

Request Guidance

If symptoms are mild (occasional use, early concerns)

Consider outpatient counseling, peer support groups, or educational resources.

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If symptoms are moderate (regular use affecting daily life)

Look into intensive outpatient programs (IOP) or structured outpatient treatment.

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If symptoms are severe or withdrawal is a concern

Prioritize inpatient treatment, medical detox, or medication-assisted treatment.

Find Urgent Care

This May Be Relevant If...

  • You or someone you care about is using alcohol or drugs in ways that feel out of control
  • Tolerance has increased — needing more to feel the same effect
  • Withdrawal symptoms appear when not using
  • Daily responsibilities like work, school, or relationships are being affected
  • There have been unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop
  • Continued use despite knowing it is causing problems
  • Spending significant time obtaining, using, or recovering from substances

When to Seek Help

Common signs that support may help:

  • Use has become difficult to control despite wanting to cut back
  • Health problems or relationship issues are appearing
  • Work, finances, or legal issues are affected
  • You are concerned enough to be reading this page

When to escalate to urgent care:

  • Experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms (shaking, seizures, hallucinations)
  • Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
  • Overdose risk or recent overdose
  • Unable to function safely day-to-day

Earlier intervention often leads to better outcomes, but it is never too late to seek help.

Quick Understanding

  • Mild Use Disorder

    2-3 symptoms present. May benefit from outpatient counseling, peer support, or self-guided resources.

  • Moderate Use Disorder

    4-5 symptoms present. Often benefits from structured outpatient programs or intensive outpatient care.

  • Severe Use Disorder

    6 or more symptoms. May require inpatient detox, residential treatment, or medication-assisted treatment.

Your Options

Outpatient Programs

Flexible treatment while maintaining daily responsibilities. Ranges from standard outpatient (few hours/week) to intensive outpatient (9-20 hours/week).

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Inpatient / Residential

24/7 care in a structured environment. Includes medical detox for safe withdrawal and intensive therapy. Typically 28-90 days.

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Medical Detox

Medically supervised withdrawal management. Necessary for alcohol or benzodiazepine dependence where withdrawal can be dangerous.

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Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

FDA-approved medications like Suboxone, Methadone, or Vivitrol combined with counseling. Effective for opioid and alcohol dependence.

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Therapy & Counseling

Individual or group sessions to address underlying causes, build coping skills, and support recovery. Can be used alone or with other treatment.

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Peer Support Groups

Free, ongoing support from others in recovery. Options include AA, NA, SMART Recovery, and other community-based programs.

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Trusted Resources

Carefully selected resources to help you take the next step.

Start HereBest first steps for beginners

SAMHSA Treatment Locator

Directory

Anyone seeking licensed treatment centers

Government-maintained, includes over 13,000 facilities nationwide.

Visit Resource

SAMHSA National Helpline

Hotline

Those needing immediate guidance or support

Available 24/7, free, confidential, and available in English and Spanish.

Visit Resource
Featured

SAMHSA Treatment Locator

Directory

The most comprehensive national database of substance use and mental health treatment facilities. Search by location, service type, and payment options.

Best for

Anyone seeking licensed treatment centers

Use if

You want to find treatment options near you

Government-maintained, includes over 13,000 facilities nationwide.

Government ResourceVisit Resource
Featured

SAMHSA National Helpline

Hotline

Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service for individuals and families facing substance use disorders.

Best for

Those needing immediate guidance or support

Use if

You want to speak with someone right now

Available 24/7, free, confidential, and available in English and Spanish.

Government ResourceVisit Resource

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Provider Network

International fellowship of people who have had a drinking problem. Meetings available in-person and online worldwide.

Best for

Those seeking peer support for alcohol recovery

Use if

You want free, ongoing community support

Proven track record helping millions recover since 1935.

Widely UsedVisit Resource

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

Provider Network

Community-based support for people recovering from drug addiction. Meetings available locally and virtually.

Best for

Those seeking peer support for drug recovery

Use if

You want connection with others who understand

Non-judgmental environment focused on recovery, not specific substances.

Widely UsedVisit Resource

SMART Recovery

Provider Network

Science-based mutual support program using cognitive behavioral techniques. Alternative to traditional 12-step programs.

Best for

Those preferring evidence-based, non-spiritual approach

Use if

You want tools and strategies alongside peer support

Self-empowering approach with practical tools you can use immediately.

Evidence-BasedVisit Resource

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)

Educational Resource

Comprehensive, science-based information about drugs, addiction, and treatment approaches.

Best for

Those wanting to understand the science of addiction

Use if

You want reliable education before making decisions

Authoritative information backed by research.

Government ResourceVisit Resource

In the Rooms

Provider Network

Free online recovery community with live meetings for various addictions. Available 24/7.

Best for

Those who prefer online meetings or need flexible schedules

Use if

You cannot attend in-person meetings or want additional support

Access to meetings any time, from anywhere.

Widely UsedVisit Resource

How to Think About Next Steps

Outpatient makes sense when

You have a stable living situation, mild to moderate symptoms, strong motivation, and can maintain some daily routines while in treatment

Intensive outpatient fits when

You need more structure than weekly therapy but can still live at home. Good for those stepping down from residential or needing more support

Inpatient or residential is needed when

Withdrawal symptoms may be dangerous, previous outpatient attempts were unsuccessful, home environment is not supportive, or there are co-occurring medical/psychiatric issues

Medical detox is essential when

Stopping alcohol or benzodiazepines after heavy use — withdrawal from these can be medically dangerous. Also helpful for severe opioid dependence

Start with consultation when

You are unsure of severity, want professional assessment, need help understanding insurance coverage, or want guidance navigating the system

Ready to Take Action?

What to Do Next

You have explored your options. Now choose the path that feels right for you.

Explore Resources

Browse curated tools, directories, and organizations vetted for quality.

Browse Resources

Request Guidance

Get personalized help understanding your options and next steps.

Get Guidance

Find Providers

Search for treatment centers and professionals in your area.

Find Treatment

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