Substance Use Disorder Resources: Outpatient Counseling, Support Groups, and More

You might not know where to turn if you or a loved one is dealing with a substance addiction like opioid use disorder (OUD). You might feel overwhelmed or hesitant to seek help because of a perceived stigma around the condition. However, plenty of resources for nonjudgmental support are available for both you and your loved ones.

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This article explores a range of resources to support substance addiction recovery.

1. Helplines

Helplines are phone numbers you can call for help, with people on the line 24 hours a day. You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline for free, confidential support any time of day and any day of the year. You can reach them at 800-662-HELP (4357).

The SAMHSA national helpline offers information in English and Spanish for people experiencing substance use disorders and their loved ones. The service can connect you to local treatment facilities, community organizations, and support groups, so it’s a great place to start when navigating your recovery.

SAMHSA also offers a convenient text messaging service called HELP4U. By texting your five-digit ZIP code to HELP4U (435748), you can find substance addiction resources near you.

You can call the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) national helpline for free, confidential support any time of day and any day of the year.

If you or a loved one has thoughts of suicide, you can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Call 911 or emergency services if you or someone you know is at an immediate risk of self-harm.

2. Inpatient Rehabilitation Programs

An inpatient or residential rehab program offers nonjudgmental and supportive care for substance use disorder in a controlled setting. You stay in a residential facility to receive personalized care from trained professionals, which might involve medically supervised withdrawal (detoxification). Around 1 in 4 people getting treatment for OUD receive treatment in an inpatient facility.

Many inpatient programs for opioid use disorder also involve medication-assisted treatment with medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), which can improve addiction treatment outcomes.

Around 1 in 4 people getting treatment for opioid use disorder receive treatment in an inpatient facility.

Compared to outpatient treatment, a major benefit of an inpatient program is that it provides a structured environment where substances aren’t easily accessible. (Learn more about what to expect from an opioid addiction treatment center.)

You can find inpatient rehab programs in your area by calling SAMHSA’s national helpline or searching websites like FindTreatment.gov.

3. Outpatient Counseling

Unlike inpatient care, outpatient counseling for opioid use doesn’t involve an overnight stay in a hospital or rehab center. In outpatient care, you visit a treatment center or counselor during scheduled hours on specific days and can return home the same day. It’s a little more flexible, since you can continue going to work or school while you’re in treatment. Outpatient programs also tend to be more affordable than inpatient programs.

Outpatient treatment for opioid use varies in the level of care and services offered. Your counselor will take into account your individual needs. Your outpatient treatment might involve:

• Individual counseling
• Psychotherapy
• Family therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Educational classes
• Medication-assisted treatment

4. Medication-Assisted Treatment

You can have medication-assisted treatment in inpatient or outpatient care. Although treatment outcomes between inpatient and outpatient care are similar, the use of medication-assisted treatment in either setting can significantly reduce the risk of overdose.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved three medications for opioid use disorder:

• Buprenorphine (sold as Brixadi and Sublocade)
• Methadone (Diskets and Methadose)
• Naltrexone (Vivitrol, ​​approved for the prevention of OUD relapse after detox)

Medication-assisted treatment combines medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders. MOUD can help block the effects of opioids, reduce cravings, and restore brain chemistry.

5. Support Groups

Peer support groups give you the chance to connect with people who have similar experiences, either as a person living with a substance use disorder or as the loved one of someone living with a substance use disorder. The people in your support group aren’t professionals, but they can offer understanding about your recovery. Some support groups are led by licensed counselors or medical professionals.

In-Person Community Support Groups

Meeting with a support group in person lets you connect with others in your area during regular meetings. Several national groups offer local, in-person meetings. You can find a support group near you using the search feature on their websites:

• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
• Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
• SMART Recovery
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

You can also call SAMHSA to find local or national support groups near you. Some local organizations and community centers offer support groups in addition to national groups like these.

If you have little or no insurance coverage, some state- and federally funded organizations offer financial assistance for substance use treatment.

Both Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are 12-step programs, which follow a structured framework involving 12 activities participants can complete within the program. AA and NA encourage members to be active in their recovery by supporting other members, accepting addiction as a disease that can be in remission but not fully cured, and focusing on personal and spiritual growth.

Online Support Groups and Communities

Some support groups offer online meetings, which might be a more convenient or accessible option for you. The following organizations offer online meetings for recovery support:

• Alcoholics Anonymous
• Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous
• Narcotics Anonymous
• Recovery Dharma
• SMART Recovery

Finding Support Beyond Treatment

Beyond outpatient programs, inpatient programs, and support groups, you or your loved ones might need extra support while navigating a substance use disorder.

Family Counseling and Education

Family-based counseling can help improve treatment engagement and outcomes for people living with substance use disorders. Concerned family members and significant others can play key roles in supporting their loved ones as they go through treatment, either by participating in family counseling sessions or being trained in overdose recognition and response.

Some support groups are geared toward family members of people living with opioid addiction, including Nar-Anon Family Groups and Learn to Cope.

Financial Assistance for Rehab Services

Sometimes the cost of addiction care prevents people from getting the help they need. Some insurance plans can help cover substance addiction care. If you have little or no insurance coverage, some state- and federally funded organizations offer financial assistance for substance use treatment. You might be able to get assistance from:

• SAMHSA grants
• Medicare
• Medicaid
• The Affordable Care Act
• The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
• State-funded detox programs

Talk to Your Doctor

Always talk with a healthcare provider or mental health professional if you think you or a loved one needs help with opioid use disorder. A trusted medical provider can help you access the treatment you need. They may be able to direct you to local resources and organizations in your area too.

Talk With Others Who Understand

On MyOpioidRecoveryTeam, people share their experiences with opioid use, get advice, and find support from others who understand.

Have you experienced a substance use disorder? Let others know in the comments below.