Millions of Americans suffer from substance use disorder, and drug addiction is a chronic disease characterized by compulsive or uncontrollable search and use of drugs despite harmful consequences and changes in the brain. Drug abuse treatment can help many drug offenders change their attitudes, beliefs and behaviors towards drug abuse, avoid relapses, and successfully exit a life of substance abuse and crime. Counseling is an essential part of drug addiction treatment, as it helps individuals escape cravings and learn to manage what life has in store for them without drugs or alcohol. Group therapy is generally preferred over individual therapy, as it provides a safe and supportive living situation for people who are trying to stop using drugs and alcohol.
Outpatient drug rehabilitation is also available, which aims to stabilize the individual's health and equip them with the knowledge, skills, and resources to help them recover their life from the grips of drug addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is fully committed to advancing solutions to behavioral health inequalities faced by LGBTQI+ people and improving the well-being of the LGBTQI+ community. SAMHSA also provides funding opportunities to connect a more diverse group of historically marginalized populations. The organization has resources to help individuals find and apply for funding opportunities, as well as toolkits and clinical practice guidelines.
In addition, SAMHSA has announced a funding opportunity to establish a program that will strengthen behavioral health care delivery to residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. The organization is also looking for ideas that promote recovery through a prize competition. Finally, SAMHSA has resources to help families affected by alcohol and drug abuse. These resources explain how substance abuse treatment works, how family interventions can be a first step to recovery, and how to help children from families affected by alcohol and drug abuse.
