Helpful Drug Addiction Resources You Can Access in Alabama Today

Every US state has its own unique situation when it comes to the issue of drug and alcohol abuse. The Yellowhammer state of Alabama, located in the heart of the American South, is no exception. Like its contemporaries in the Gulf Coast region, Alabama is often under watch for high usage rates of methamphetamine and marijuana. The state is also a hotspot for heroin abuse and abuse of prescription opioids like fentanyl.

But many Alabaman residents are committed to keeping substance abuse disorder at bay. This reflects in the number of both state-sponsored and private initiatives to curb drug abuse and to treat addiction. If you’re based in Alabama and looking for resources on drug abuse prevention and addiction recovery, this article can point you in the right direction. Here’s where you’ll find help for someone suffering from addiction to a particular drug, or resources to help advocate against substance abuse in your county.

The Alabama Department of Mental Health’s Substance Abuse Provider Directory

The first place you can look is the Substance Abuse Provider Directory that’s hosted by the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH). This directory can introduce you to a list of public addiction treatment programs funded either by the state of Alabama or by Medicaid. You may also be able to find providers who can extend assistance to someone in need, even if they don’t have health insurance. This is one of the best resources for you to check if you’re looking for the most affordable treatment options in the state.

The Better Addiction Care Network

Another good resource for you to peruse is the Better Addiction Care information service. Better Addiction Care has an extensive national directory of rehabilitation centers, as well as local chapters of 12-step groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous. You can browse their site to search for Alabama drug rehab centers and other facilities where you’ll find adequate medical care, psychosocial care, and support.

The University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Medicine Addiction Recovery Services

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), one of the top schools in the state, also has a highly specialized addiction treatment program. The university’s addiction medicine program values an individualized approach to substance abuse disorders. Along with medical professionals whose forte is in addiction medicine, UAB’s program employs certified counselors and social workers. Their treatment covers all aspects of addiction recovery, from psychological and psychiatric assessment to individual, group, and family therapies.

The Alabama Prescription Drug Monitoring Program

Abuse of prescription drugs is a highly worrisome problem in Alabama, but the situation is likely to improve in the next few years, thanks to the state’s Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. Under the mandate of the Alabama Uniform Controlled Substances Act, the PDMP seeks to prevent misuse and over-prescription of highly potent and addictive medicines. The PDMP also hosts a database that any Alabaman doctor dispensing Class II, III, IV, and V controlled substances must report to daily. This is where medical practitioners and those in the pharmacological field can keep tighter control of prescriptions for potentially addictive drugs.

The Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council

The state also has a council for implementing a strategic action plan against the abuse of—and overdose deaths from—heroin and prescription opioids. If you need educational materials on the dangers of opioid addiction, the Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council may be a good place to start. Staff from the Council may welcome the chance to partner with your school, workplace, church, or other organization for greater awareness on opioid addiction.

The Alabama Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association

For those who want to pursue difficult, but extremely fulfilling careers in addiction treatment, it’s worth contacting the Alabama Alcohol and Drug Abuse Association. This is a non-profit that offers certification programs for alcohol and drug counselors, clinical supervisors, prevention specialists, and criminal justice professionals. If it’s your calling to be more deeply involved in keeping drugs out of your community, you can join one of AADAA’s programs.

Not One More Alabama

Religious life has always been part of Alabaman culture, and for many, involvement in a faith-based program may spur healing from the wounds of addiction. Not One More Alabama hosts a network of faith-based groups that dedicate part of their ministry to addiction recovery and prevention. For Alabamans who want prayer and discipleship to be part of their recovery journey, Not One More Alabama may be able to refer you to a local chapter.

Final Words: It’s Never Too Late to Seek Freedom from Drug Addiction

However serious or hopeless a case of drug addiction seems to be, don’t forget that it is never too late to get help. Moreover, you and your loved ones are never alone in your fight against substance use disorder. As shown above, there are many resources within the state of Alabama that you can count on for support. Be part of someone’s healing from addiction, and advocate against the dangers of drug abuse in Alabama today!