By STANLEY JORDAN
Many people struggling with substance abuse and behavioral addictions do not have the information and resources necessary to get the help they need. Research by the Open Society Institute indicates that only one in 10 individuals addicted to drugs and/or alcohol in the United States receives professional treatment. Addiction Hope is pleased to launch its new website in February 2016, which aims to arm the addiction community with these valuable resources.
Addiction Hope addresses the mental health issues that often co-occur with substance abuse and behavioral addictions, such as depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. An understanding of these dual diagnoses and how to best treat concurrent addiction and mental health needs is essential for long-lasting recovery.
After launching Eating Disorder Hope, an online community for eating disorder recovery, it became clear that many of the site’s visitors also sought resources for substance abuse and addiction. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) reports that as many as 50 percent of those with eating disorders also abuse drugs and/or alcohol. “Many people reaching out to us were looking for help with their addictions,” explains Jacquelyn Ekern, CEO and founder of Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope. “Though Eating Disorder Hope addresses substance abuse, our resources were primarily for eating disorder awareness and recovery. I wanted to answer the growing need for an online community that provides a safe haven for those grappling with addiction.”
Addiction Hope features a national treatment directory to help individuals find treatment centers nationwide. The treatment locator allows users to search for facilities by state and includes “virtual brochures” on many centers. There are also resources for online treatment, an alternative to traditional on-site care. Other resources on the new website include information on support groups and inspirational stories of those in recovery.
Loved ones of those struggling with addiction can also benefit from the tools available on Addiction Hope. From information on how to conduct an effective intervention to overviews of specific addictions and co-occurring mental health issues, family and friends can educate themselves on the issues in order to better support to their loved one.
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