You Are Not Alone

Resources for Practicing Drinkers:

Self-Assessment and Support:

• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA): https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/

◦ Provides information on alcohol use disorders, interactive tools to assess drinking patterns, and links to treatment resources.

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): https://www.aa.org/

◦ Worldwide support group network for individuals struggling with alcohol problems. Offers meetings, sponsors, and resources for recovery.

• SMART Recovery: https://smartrecovery.org/

◦ Evidence-based, self-directed program for overcoming addiction and compulsive behaviors. Offers online tools, resources, and forums.

Professional Help:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/

◦ Provides a national helpline (1-800-662-HELP) for finding treatment facilities and services near you.

• American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/

◦ Offers a directory of psychologists who specialize in alcohol dependence and addiction.

• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD): https://ncadd.us/

◦ Provides information and resources on addiction treatment, prevention, and advocacy.

Resources for Family Members of Alcoholics:

Support and Education:

• Al-Anon: https://al-anon.org/

◦ Mutual support group program for friends and families of alcoholics. Offers meetings, literature, and resources for coping with the effects of alcoholism.

• Families Anonymous: https://familiesanonymous.org/

◦ Support group for families and friends of those struggling with any form of addiction. Offers resources and understanding for dealing with loved ones' addictive behaviors.

• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD): https://ncadd.us/

◦ Provides information and resources on alcohol abuse and addiction, including resources for families and loved ones.

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): https://www.nami.org/Home

◦ Offers support and resources for families and friends of individuals with mental illness, which can often co-occur with addiction.

Boundaries and Advocacy:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: https://www.thehotline.org/

◦ Provides resources and support for victims of domestic violence, which can be exacerbated by alcohol abuse.

• The National Coalition Against Domestic Violence: https://ncadv.org/

◦ Offers information and resources on domestic violence and how to help those affected.

• The National Family Caregiver Support Program: http://acl.gov/programs/support-caregivers

Episode 211 - You Are Not Alone is definitely the most personal podcast episode I have ever done.  It begins with the death this week of my sister - an extremely talented lady who had a substance abuse problem.  The episode then briefly discusses Poe’s problems with alcohol - and his attempts to get help at the Shockoe Bottom Sons of Temperance.  Covering  a difficult topic for me to personally discuss, the overall purpose of this episode emphasizes the importance of getting help to deal with substance abuse problems, and ends with specific contact information regarding some the available resources.