Finding Support & Resources: You’re Not Alone

Let’s talk about something important: getting the help and support you need. Whether you’re looking to learn more, find support groups, or connect with others who get it – we’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of resources that can help you or someone you care about.

Learning More: Top Educational Resources

Knowledge is power, especially when it comes to understanding substance use disorder. Here are some incredible organizations providing free, trustworthy information:

For General Education & Understanding

• National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) – They offer free, easy-to-understand guides about prevention and treatment. Perfect for families looking to understand what’s happening and how to help. Visit NIDA
• The Real Deal on Fentanyl – A national campaign that breaks down the facts about fentanyl in a way that actually makes sense, especially for younger people. Learn the Real Deal
• Partnership to End Addiction – They’ve got amazing resources for parents trying to understand addiction and help their kids. Their guides are practical and straightforward. Visit Partnership to End Addiction
• National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) – Leaders in alcohol research with comprehensive resources. Visit NIAAA
• The Opioid Response Network – Free educational resources for prevention, treatment, and recovery. Visit ORN
• SAMHSA – Tools and resources for families dealing with mental and substance use disorders. Visit SAMHSA

For Families & Kids

• Sesame Street’s Addiction Resources – Yes, even Sesame Street is helping families talk about this. They’ve created incredible tools to help kids understand what’s happening when a family member struggles with addiction. Visit Sesame Street Resources
• Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation – Their family toolkit is gold for anyone trying to support a loved one through addiction. It’s practical, compassionate, and based on real experience. Get the Family Toolkit
• National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA) – They focus specifically on how addiction affects kids and families, with resources that really understand what you’re going through. Visit NACoA
• Administration for Children and Families (ACF) – Promoting the well-being of families and communities. Visit ACF
• Love the Kid, Hate the Disease – Real lessons from a father who’s been there. Read More

Finding Your Support Network

Here’s something powerful: you don’t have to do this alone. There are amazing groups of people who understand exactly what you’re going through. Check out these support groups that have helped countless families:

Free Support Groups

• Parents of Addicted Loved Ones (PAL) – Free support groups where parents actually get it. They use proven strategies that work in the real world. Find a PAL Group
• The Daily Pledge – An online community created by Hazelden Betty Ford. It’s free, it’s supportive, and you can connect with others 24/7. Join the Community
• Families Anonymous – Supporting families affected by addiction. Find FA Meetings
• Learn 2 Cope – Specifically for families dealing with opioid addiction. They offer education, resources, and real support from people who’ve been there. Join Learn 2 Cope
• Camp Mariposa – A year-round program for youth affected by family addiction. Learn About Camp Mariposa
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) – Support for families dealing with mental health conditions. Find NAMI Support

Virtual Support Options

• Nar-Anon – Join Virtual Meetings
• Al-Anon – Find Online Meetings
• SMART Recovery Family & Friends – Join SMART Recovery
• Confidant Health app – Download the App

Educational Support: Scholarships

If you’re a student who’s been impacted by substance use disorder, there are organizations ready to support your education. These scholarships are specifically for students who understand this struggle:

• The Hope for Addiction Scholarship – For students who want to help others affected by addiction. Apply Here
• The Lisa Michelle Memorial Fund – Supporting students who’ve lost a parent to substances. Learn More
• The New York Times College Scholarship – For NYC students who’ve achieved despite hardship. Learn More

Making Your Voice Heard

Want to create bigger change? Sometimes that means talking to people who can make policy changes. Don’t worry – reaching out to your elected officials isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. Contact their offices to:

• Ask about local resources
• Share your story
• Push for better support in your community

Remember: Reaching out for help isn’t weak – it’s one of the strongest things you can do. Every resource here represents people who want to help, who understand, and who won’t judge. You’re not alone in this fight.