Recently, the Addiction Policy Forum launched a national initiative to help folks navigate the complexities of addiction. The project includes a free, 100-page resource workbook, Navigating Addiction and Treatment: A Guide for Families; a national awareness campaign; and online resources to help families.
The guide is much more about DIY sobriety than paid treatment facilities, which have helped many. Many have found sobriety, including myself, by just going to free AA meetings, reading the AA Big Book and 12×12 and working AA’s 12 Steps.
The COVID-19 pandemic has meant more overdoses (alcohol and drugs) and more people struggling with addiction as we grapple with the stress, isolation, financial struggles, and lack of access to services. Now more than ever we need to make information about navigating this disease and accessing treatment as simple as possible, said Jessica Hulsey, Founder of the Addiction Policy Forum. ?Navigating Addiction aims to help all families that are struggling by providing them with free and evidence-based resources.
The guide was created by the Addiction Policy Forum with support from Indivior. The publication is disseminated free-of-charge to families in all 50 states. An Expert Review Panel composed of prominent researchers and physicians in the addiction field also contributed to the report, along with the Family Support Advisory Committee made up of family members with lived experience.
This is the Guide’s table of contents. Good stuff!:
What is Addiction?
Different Types of Substance Use Disorders
Addiction and the Brain
Addiction is a Chronic Disease
How Addiction Affects the Family
Signs, Symptoms & Early Intervention
Enabling vs. Helping and How to Set Boundaries
Communicating with Your Loved One
Getting an Assessment
Evidence-Based Treatment
Medications for Addiction Treatment
What to Look for in Quality Treatment
Recovery Support
Caregiver Self Care
Patient Pathways
Resources
Endnotes
To download this free resource, Google Addiction Policy Forum – Navigating Addiction and Treatment, open the site and click on the “guide” hotlink.
