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Where Can People Go for Help With a Drug Problem?

A drug problem or addiction, whether it is with cocaine, heroin, or prescription pills, can be ultimately fatal. Marijuana addiction is rarely fatal but can potentially have destructive legal, financial and emotional consequences. People who have a drug problem have an intense and uncontrollable emotional and physical craving for substances. Getting help is the first step toward becoming drug-free, and there are many ways to get help.

  1. Medical and Psychological Help

    • Some drug problems may require medical or psychological attention, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Consult a doctor, emergency room if there is a physical or psychological crisis involved, or a local health clinic. Some employers have confidential resources to get their employees help with a drug problem. For those with no insurance and no income, the local division of Social Services or Family Services may also be able to connect a drug abuser with resources. Most communities have faith-based programs such as Youth or Teen Challenge, and churches often have information about psychological resources to help a drug addict. Medical and psychological help for a drug problem can range from medication such as methadone and clonidine to make the withdrawal process easier, psychotherapy, psychiatric evaluations and, in some cases, residential detox and treatment. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services offers a treatment facility locater online. (See Resources.)

    Support Groups

    • Support groups such as Narcotics Anonymous and Marijuana Anonymous can help you recover from a drug problem. Alternatives to 12-step programs include SMART Recovery, or ask your church or hospital about other support groups. These groups are nonprofit, free, and do not subscribe to any particular religion. While no support group should give medical or psychological advice, talking with others who are overcoming drug problems can prove helpful.

    Medical Detox Programs

    • People who have been abusing prescription barbiturates or benzodiazepine drugs--which include sedatives such as Xanax, Valiu and Klonopin--should not attempt to stop on their own, according to NIDA. Potentially fatal withdrawal symptoms, such as seizures, can occur. The dosage must be reduced under medical supervision for the patient's safety.

      Medical assistance is available but not required to detox from heroin, opiate painkillers, cocaine, marijuana and prescription-stimulant abuse. Some people detox under medical supervision and then move on to inpatient or outpatient therapy. Others choose to detox at home, but they may be at risk of relapse due to the desire to get rid of withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, anxiety or insomnia.

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