If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or mental health disorders, you probably want to learn more about these topics. Doing so can help you figure out the next steps for yourself, or better support your friend or family member.
There is so much content available online, but not all of it is reputable. It can be helpful to hear directly from people who have experienced these conditions, but for official information, there are a number of trusted sources.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)[1] is a government agency within the US Department of Health and Human Services. Its mission is to “reduce the impact of substance abuse and mental illness on America’s communities.” The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)[2] is another government agency, and it conducts research about addiction to help spread awareness and influence policy. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAA)[3], also a government agency, supports research about alcohol use disorder.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)[4] calls itself “the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness.” Since its founding in 1979, it has become a trusted source for educating the public about mental health disorders. They also feature stories from people who have experienced mental health disorders directly. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)[5] is a government agency that conducts research on mental health disorders.
These are some places to look if you’re seeking trustworthy information about substance use and mental health disorders. Along with these sources, it can be helpful to read books or listen to podcasts by people who have experienced these disorders. Mixing fact-based knowledge with firsthand accounts can give you a fuller picture of what you or your loved one is going through.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is help and hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health disorders in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you build the skills to cope with whatever life brings, sober. To learn more, call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.
[1] https://www.samhsa.gov/
[2] https://www.drugabuse.gov/
[3] https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/
[4] https://nami.org/Home
[5] https://www.nimh.nih.gov/