If you are living with an addiction, you might feel like you are completely alone, and that there is no one who can help you to overcome your issues, let alone anyone who is willing, but you know what? That is the addiction talking! Not only are there tons of things, and good people, who can help you, but you deserve to be helped. You really do.
That being the case, today, we are going to take a look at what you can do to find the help you deserve to overcome your addiction, starting right now.
1. Medicaid Can Help You
You might think that, unless you have lots of money, getting the professional help you need to overcome your addiction will be nearly impossible but you know what? There are lots of very good treatment centers that accept Medicaid, so a good starting point is to see if you can get Medicaid and how it might be able to help you get into a recovery program that will help you onto the right path to recovery. Find it hard to navigate the system? There are tons of charities that can help you with the process too.
2. Explore Virtual Therapy
Ah, virtual therapy—where the only commute is from your bed to your laptop. If you’re not ready to walk into a treatment center just yet, virtual therapy is a fantastic way to dip your toes into the help pool. You can chat with a therapist from the comfort of your couch, your favorite coffee shop, or even your car (no judgment).
Platforms like BetterHelp or Talkspace make it easy to connect with a professional who specializes in addiction recovery. Plus, virtual therapy often feels a bit more approachable, and let’s be real, who doesn’t love the idea of tackling their demons while wrapped in a cozy blanket? No awkward waiting room small talk required.
3. Support Groups—Real Talk with Real People
There’s something about sitting in a room (or Zoom call) with people who’ve been through the same struggles that makes support groups so powerful. Whether you’re into the structure of 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), or you prefer secular options like SMART Recovery, support groups give you a chance to connect with others who get it.
Not only can you swap tips and advice, but there’s also something incredibly motivating about seeing people further along in their recovery journey finding their happiness. It’s like a sneak peek into your potential future self—one that doesn’t have to apologize for the blurry parts of their weekend.
4. Medication-Assisted Treatment
If your addiction feels too overwhelming to conquer with just willpower and positive vibes, medication-assisted treatment might be the ally you didn’t know you needed. MAT uses medications like methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone to help curb cravings and manage withdrawal symptoms. Think of it as getting a little chemical help to level the playing field. It’s not cheating; it’s just smart.
The stigma around MAT is fading fast as more and more people realize that addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing. Combined with counseling and support, MAT can be a highly effective way to stay on the path to recovery. And yes, Medicaid often covers it, so no excuses there either!
5. Find a Sober Living Community—Your Built-In Support System
So you’ve gone through treatment, and now you’re wondering, “What’s next?” That’s where sober living communities come in. These are group homes for people recovering from addiction, where everyone is working toward the same goal: staying clean and living a healthier life.
Think of it as a dorm, but instead of frat parties and ramen noodles, you’ve got structure, accountability, and support from people who are also trying to avoid their old vices. Plus, many sober living homes offer life skills training, which is great because, let’s face it, you’re going to need more than Netflix marathons to fill your time in recovery.
6. Don’t Forget the Mental Health Side of Things
Addiction rarely exists in a vacuum. For many people, it’s linked to other mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or trauma. If you’re only treating the addiction without addressing these underlying issues, you’re kind of like a mechanic fixing the car’s bodywork while ignoring the smoking engine.
Look for treatment centers or therapists that take a dual-diagnosis approach—this means they address both your addiction and any co-occurring mental health disorders at the same time. Trust us, healing your brain is just as important as detoxing your body.
7. Family Therapy—Healing Your Support System, Too
Addiction doesn’t just mess with your life—it shakes up everyone around you. Family therapy can help heal those relationships and give you a stronger support system moving forward. It’s not about making anyone feel guilty or pointing fingers; it’s about creating healthier dynamics so everyone knows how to best support you on your journey.
If you’ve been avoiding family therapy because it sounds like a nightmare of uncomfortable conversations, rest assured it’s often way less painful than anticipated. And if things get awkward, just remember—you’ve already done harder things. You’ve fought addiction, after all.
8. Build Your Own Recovery Toolbox
Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. What works for someone else might not work for you, and that’s okay. The key is building a recovery toolbox full of strategies, techniques, and support that feel right for you. Maybe it’s a mix of therapy, support groups, medication, and long walks in nature. Maybe it’s journaling, meditation, and leaning on your best friend. Whatever it is, the point is to keep adding tools until you have a solid kit you can rely on, even when things get tough.
9. Take It One Step at a Time
If this all feels overwhelming, take a deep breath. Recovery is a marathon, not a sprint. You don’t have to have all the answers right now, and you certainly don’t need to fix everything at once. Finding the help you deserve means taking things step by step, day by day. And even on the days when progress feels slow or nonexistent, remember—you’re moving forward.
You deserve a life free of addiction, so don’t be afraid to get out there and ask for help!
