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Curated Addiction Recovery Resources
Intro
Finding the right addiction resources can make a meaningful difference for people and families dealing with a substance use issue, mental health issue or in early recovery. When you are looking for immediate help, treatment referrals, education, and other long-term recovery services, finding trusted information is an important first step.
This page serves as a comprehensive guide to substance abuse resources and recovery support that is available through national organizations, government agencies, and evidence-based providers. These resources are designed to give people the ability to understand more about addiction, their treatment options and provide them with ongoing support as they transition through recovery.
Welcome to Agape
The Need for Trustworthy Resources
A substance use disorder is a complex health issue that involves both the brain, behavior, and overall health of the person affected. Drug abuse and alcohol misuse can develop gradually or happen quickly, and is often influenced by mental health conditions, stress, trauma, or environmental factors. Finding trustworthy addiction resources will give individuals and their families the ability to understand:
- How substance use disorder develops Common warning signs and risk factors
- How mental health is related to substance abuse
- What type of help is available in the way of treatment and recovery
Being educated on substance abuse is the foundation for being able to make informed decisions regarding care for yourself or a loved one.
National Helplines and Immediate Support
For people needing immediate assistance, national helplines provide confidential help, information, and referrals to treatment.
01
SAMHSA National Helpline
Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) operates a free, confidential national helpline available 24/7. This service offers:
- Treatment referrals for substance use disorders and mental illness
- Information about treatment facilities and providers
- Support for individuals and family members
SAMHSA’s official website also offers educational materials and other recovery resources.
02
988 Lifeline
Phone: 988
The 988 Lifeline (also called the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) is a free, confidential support service in the United States for people experiencing:
- Emotional distress
- Mental health crises
- Thoughts of suicide
By calling or texting 988, or chatting through 988lifeline.org, individuals can connect with trained crisis counselors 24/7. The service is available to anyone who needs support — whether they are struggling personally or concerned about a loved one. Counselors provide compassionate listening, crisis intervention, and connections to local resources.
Mental Health and Behavioral Health Resources
Substance use disorders often occur alongside mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, trauma-related disorders, and mood disorders. Accessing mental health resources to better understand symptoms and explore treatment and appropriate mental health care can also be highly beneficial when addressing a substance use disorder.
Trustworthy mental health resources include:
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI): Provides education, support groups, and resources for individuals and families affected by mental illness
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): Delivers research-based information on mental illness, including the various conditions, symptoms, and approaches to treatment
- Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Offers screening tools, referral services, and access to mental health and substance use services
These organizations provide educational materials, screening tools, and referral options that can help individuals take informed next steps toward mental health care and recovery support.
Peer Support and Recovery Communities
These organizations provide peer support and online resources designed to support individuals in maintaining their recovery, as well as rebuilding a new, sober life and continued wellness.
Peer support is available and can be obtained at no cost, an be accessed in-person as well as online, and provides important long-term support for continued recovery.
12-Step / Mutual Support Groups
Peer-mentored groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and others focus on accountability, shared experience, and providing peer support.
Non-12-Step programs
Groups such as SMART Recovery and LifeRing provide peer support based on science for those who want to pursue an alternative approach to the 12-Step model.
Recovery coaching / Peer mentoring
Dedicated peer recovery specialists help individuals to set and achieve goals and connect with treatment and other recovery resources. Reach out to a treatment center, rehab facility, or local recovery community to learn more.
Support for families / loved ones
Resources are available for family members and loved ones, and include educational-based groups, boundary-setting tools, and emotional support for the impact of having a loved one with addiction.
Resources for Families and Loved Ones
Substance use disorders affect the entire family (not just the individual using substances), making it necessary for family members to receive education, support, and assistance in addressing substance use disorders.
Trusted resources for families and their loved ones include:
- SAMHSA Family Resources: Provides education related to substance use disorders, treatment options available, and assistance in navigating through government agencies.
- Al-Anon and Nar-Anon Family Groups: Peer-based support groups designed for family members affected by a loved one’s substance use to help them learn and set healthy boundaries, improve communication, and promote self-care.
- NAMI Family Programs: Family education courses and support groups to help families to understand addiction and mental illness, improve their communication skills, and lower their own caregiver stress.
- NIDA Family Resources: Provides research-based information on addiction, warning signs, and how families can assist their loved ones recovery without enabling them.
These resources help families learn how addiction impacts behavior and decision-making, develop healthier boundaries, and stay supported throughout the recovery process.
Recovery Tools and Ongoing Wellness Support
Many practical tools can assist people in maintaining recovery from an addiction by helping them manage stress, track their mental health, and reduce their chances of relapsing. The following evidence-based tools are publicly available and can be used immediately.
Relapse Prevention Tools
Relapse Prevention Plan (University of Washington, PDF): A step-by-step tool commonly used in clinical settings.
Mental Health Self-Management Tools
Mood Tracking Chart (Printable PDF): A simple daily mood tracker to help identify emotional patterns and symptom changes over time.
Stress and Grounding Tools
5-4-3-2-1 Grounding Technique Worksheet (PDF): A grounding exercise used to assist in coping with anxiety, cravings, and emotional overwhelm.
Progressive Muscle Relaxation Script (PDF): A tool used to guide people through relaxation exercises aimed at reducing stress.
Safety and Crisis Planning
Stanley–Brown Safety Plan Template (PDF): A widely used, evidence-based safety tool used in behavioral health treatment.
Crisis Response Plan Worksheet (PDF): A written plan for people to follow during times of distress.
Recovery & Addiction Support Apps
If you’re looking for additional support between appointments, the following recovery and mental health apps can provide helpful tools, encouragement, and resources right from your phone.
Resource Library
Explore Our Addiction Resource Library
Using Addiction Resources Effectively
The best way to use addiction resources is to combine them with other methods of obtaining support. In addition to using online tools and educational materials to help inform your decisions, it is important to connect with a provider/qualified professional so that you get personalized care.
If you want help finding resources to support you or a family member who may have substance use issues, the resources on this website can help you make informed and confident steps toward receiving help and achieving long-term health and wellness.
