Addiction

Addiction Resources in Texas

Addiction, whether drug or alcohol, can affect anyone. It can happen to somebody you randomly meet on the streets, the people you work with, or even your own family members. It is a complex condition, a brain disease that creates an urge to use a substance even if it has dangerous side effects.  Those who have this disorder have altered behavior, thinking, and bodily functions. But, there is hope. There are addiction resources in Texas that are available to help not just those who have an addiction but also their family and friends.  These resources aim to provide assistance to these individuals and the people surrounding them so they can go back to their normal and productive lives.

What Are the Addiction Resources Available?

There are several resources available not only for the users themselves but also for the people around them. Much is involved in this dilemma and it is important to take care of everyone. Just imagine how much frustration, fear, resentment, anger, and anxiety can build up due to the unwanted circumstances related to addiction.

For a solid start to help you get by, you can turn to Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), SMART Recovery, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) to name a few Texas addiction resources.

Alcoholics Anonymous

In 1939, the organization Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) released a book, the contents of which have helped millions of people around the world cope with their problems involving alcoholism. Its newest edition contains stories about how AA members from various backgrounds have emerged victorious from their condition. It also includes the stories of AA’s co-founders.

This addiction resource can be found all over the state of Texas. From Texas City all the way to Wichita Falls, you should be able to find a group that can cater to you. All you have to do is use the group’s website to find a meeting near you.

Basically, it is an international group of men and women whose commonality springs from their alcoholism. It does not discriminate, so all people—regardless of age, cultural background, status in life, belief, religion, or other—can gather together. The only thing necessary to qualify is the openness to do something about one’s situation with alcohol. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, apolitical, multiracial, and nearby no matter where you are.

It has 12 steps or principles to follow, which outline the way of life that alcoholics should follow to control their addiction and lead a happy, useful, and whole life.

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit group of men and women who are recovering from addiction to drugs. They meet regularly to keep everybody from using these substances again. The goal is to help each other to maintain complete abstinence from all forms of drugs.

This group does not collect fees from those who want its help. Everybody is welcome so long as they want to stop using narcotics. There is also no discrimination based on past behavior. At this Texas addiction resource, the newcomer is the most important person at the meeting.

The group has a wide variety of materials that can help not only members but also potential members and individuals who wish to help addicts recover. It is pretty easy to find a meeting in your area. Just visit this site to do your search.

SMART Recovery

Another nonprofit group that offers support to individuals who want to be free from addiction is SMART Recovery, which stands for Self-Management and Recovery Training. Their approach to recuperation is encapsulated in a Four-Point program.

Specifically, they teach their members to:

  • Continue and improve motivation to abstain

  • Cope with urges

  • Take control of thoughts, behaviors, and feelings

  • Balance satisfactions

Apart from actual attendance to meetings, the group also offers for sale publications related to recovery and a free Internet Message Board to channel discussions on specific substances and addictive behaviors. Finding meetings in your area is quite easy. Follow this link to search for this addiction resource in Texas.

National Institute on Drug Abuse

The government also has a resource called the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This federal government research institute‘s goal is to “lead the Nation in bringing the power of science to bear on drug abuse and addiction.”

Accordingly, it has done extensive research on addiction in terms of its behavioral, biological and social components. It also has been a major supporter of many treatments, including patches and gums. Additionally, it has looked deeply into drug-related diseases like AIDS. NIDA is also the biggest supporter of drug use and addiction research in the world. Its researchers seek to tackle the most essential and basic issues regarding drug use and abuse.

The history of NIDA dates back to 1935, when a research facility was built in Lexington, Kentucky. However, it wasn’t until 1974 that NIDA was actually established. It prides itself on the use of science to shed light on drug abuse.

NIDA has vast resources on all things related to drugs and their abuse. These include research on the emerging trends in drugs, understanding how drugs function in the body and brain, coming up with and trying out new drug treatments and prevention strategies, and sharing these findings to the public.

It is fairly easy to get help for this drug addiction resource in Texas. Just check this information guide.

North Texas Addiction Counseling and Education Inc.

North Texas Addiction Counseling and Education Inc. (NTACE) is a non-profit organization founded in 1997. The group supports outpatient treatments for adolescents and adults, alike. They also help families cope with the struggles of living with someone with a substance abuse problem.

NTACE offers DWI education, drug offender education, anger management, and other programs. Some of the programs may require a minimal fee, but by helping the organization continue with its mission, you will be helping other addicts get control of their lives.

You can get more information from the NTACE website or you may call their hotline at 877-215-6747 for questions and consultation.