### **ALABAMA DRUG ADDICTION RESOURCES** **I. Understanding Drug Addiction in Alabama** - **Prevalence:** Alabama has faced a severe opioid crisis, with some reports indicating it has one of the highest per capita opioid addiction rates in the U.S. In 2021, there were 981 opioid overdose deaths in Alabama, accounting for 70% of all drug overdose deaths in the state. Overall, drug overdose death rates in Alabama increased from 11.8 per 100,000 in 2011 to 30.1 per 100,000 in 2021. - **Common Substances:** While opioids (prescription painkillers, heroin, fentanyl) are a major concern, addiction to alcohol, methamphetamine, and cocaine also remains prevalent. - **Co-Occurring Disorders:** It's common for individuals with SUD to also have co-occurring mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression). Effective treatment often addresses both simultaneously. **II. Types of Treatment and Services Available in Alabama** The Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) oversees and contracts with community-based providers across the state to offer a range of substance use disorder services. Many state-funded providers offer services on a sliding fee scale, making treatment low-cost or free for those with low income. - **Assessment & Screening:** The first step in accessing state-funded services is typically a screening to determine eligibility and then a comprehensive assessment to develop an individualized treatment plan. - **Withdrawal Management (Detoxification):** Medically supervised withdrawal to safely manage the physical symptoms of drug cessation. - **Residential Treatment:** Inpatient programs where individuals live at a facility for a period (e.g., 30, 60, 90 days or longer) receiving intensive therapy, counseling, and support. - **Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP):** Structured programs offering a high level of care without requiring residential stay, allowing individuals to live at home while attending treatment sessions multiple times a week. - **Outpatient Treatment:** Less intensive than IOPs, providing regular counseling and therapy sessions while individuals continue with their daily lives. - **Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT):** Combines behavioral therapy with medications (such as buprenorphine, methadone, and naltrexone) to treat opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder. MAT is considered the gold standard for opioid addiction treatment. Alabama has 21 certified Opioid Treatment Programs (OTPs). - **Co-Occurring Services:** Specialized programs that integrate treatment for both substance use disorders and mental health disorders. - **Women's Services:** Programs tailored to address the unique physiological, medical, and psychosocial needs of women, including pregnant and parenting females. Some programs allow children to accompany their mothers to treatment. - **Recovery Housing/Sober Living Homes:** Supportive living environments that provide a safe, drug-free space for individuals in recovery, often with peer support and accountability. - **Prevention Programs:** Community-based initiatives aimed at educating the public, especially youth, about the dangers of drug use and promoting healthy choices. **III. Key State and Local Resources** - **Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) – Substance Use Treatment Services:** - The primary state agency responsible for coordinating and funding public substance use services. They contract with community-based providers across Alabama. - **Website:** [https://mh.alabama.gov/division-of-mental-health-substance-abuse-services/substance-abuse-treatment-services/](https://mh.alabama.gov/division-of-mental-health-substance-abuse-services/substance-abuse-treatment-services/) - **Contact:** Call their general number or visit the website to find a list of certified community providers by county. - **Alabama Opioid Overdose and Addiction Council:** - Established by Governor Kay Ivey, this council develops a comprehensive strategic plan to address the opioid crisis, focusing on data, prevention, treatment, rescue (naloxone distribution), and recovery. - **Website:** Information and reports often found through the ADMH website or [https://druguse.alabama.gov/](https://druguse.alabama.gov/) - **Recovery Resource Center (RRC) – Jefferson County Department of Health (JCDH):** - A central hub providing free assessments, recovery support services, and referrals to treatment. - **Address:** 1515 6th Avenue South, 6th floor of Cooper Green Mercy Health Services, Birmingham, Alabama 35233 - **Phone:** 205-458-3377 - **Website:** [https://www.jcdh.org/SitePages/Programs-Services/CommunityHealth/SubstanceUseAndAddiction/RecoveryResources.aspx](https://www.jcdh.org/SitePages/Programs-Services/CommunityHealth/SubstanceUseAndAddiction/RecoveryResources.aspx) - **Recovery Organization of Support Specialists (ROSS):** - A peer-run agency funded by ADMH that provides peer support services, often through Recovery Community Centers. - **24/7 Helpline:** 1-844-307-1760 - **Website:** [https://ross4u.org/](https://ross4u.org/) - **Family Life Center:** - A non-profit treatment program with multiple locations in North Alabama, offering counseling, MAT, and other services. They also have a 24/7 crisis line. - **24/7 Crisis Line:** 256-888-1234 - **Website:** [https://familylifecenter.com/](https://familylifecenter.com/) - **UAB Medicine Addiction Recovery Services:** - Offers comprehensive assessments, various levels of treatment, and strong family support services, including weekly education sessions and support groups for family members. - **Phone:** 205-975-7350 or 1-800-UAB-8816 - **Website:** [https://www.uabmedicine.org/specialties/uab-medicine-addiction-recovery-services/](https://www.uabmedicine.org/specialties/uab-medicine-addiction-recovery-services/) - **PRIDE Youth Programs and Prevention Services of Tuscaloosa:** - A certified prevention agency focusing on drug prevention programming for youth and families in West Alabama. - **Phone:** 205-764-0351 - **Website:** [https://www.prideoftuscaloosa.org/](https://www.prideoftuscaloosa.org/) - **Addiction Prevention Coalition (Birmingham Area):** - Offers family support groups, resources, and referrals to various treatment and recovery options. - **Website:** [https://apcbham.org/find-help/family-members-support/](https://apcbham.org/find-help/family-members-support/) - **Alabama 2-1-1 Connects:** - Connects callers to a wide range of local health and human services, including substance abuse resources. - **Phone:** Dial 2-1-1 - **Website:** [https://211connectsalabama.org/](https://211connectsalabama.org/) **IV. Support Groups** Support groups are an invaluable part of the recovery journey, offering peer support, shared experiences, and a sense of community. - **Alcoholics Anonymous (AA):** A 12-step program for individuals seeking to recover from alcohol addiction. Meetings are held across Alabama. - **Website:** Search "Alabama AA" to find local meetings. - **Narcotics Anonymous (NA):** A 12-step program for individuals recovering from various drug addictions. Meetings are held across Alabama. - **Website:** Search "Alabama NA" to find local meetings. - **SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training):** A science-based secular alternative to 12-step programs, focusing on self-empowerment and practical tools. - **Website:** [https://www.smartrecovery.org/](https://www.smartrecovery.org/) (Find online and in-person meetings). - **Al-Anon and Nar-Anon:** Support groups specifically for family members and friends affected by someone else's drinking (Al-Anon) or drug use (Nar-Anon). - **Website:** Search "Al-Anon Alabama" or "Nar-Anon Alabama" to find local meetings. - **Celebrate Recovery:** A Christ-centered, 12-step program for anyone struggling with hurts, habits, and hang-ups, including addiction. Available in many churches statewide. - **Website:** Search "Celebrate Recovery Alabama" to find a group. - **Not One More Alabama:** Offers support groups and resources for families impacted by addiction. - **Phone:** 256-384-5055 - **Website:** [https://www.notonemorealabama.org/support-groups---in-person-and-virtual.html](https://www.notonemorealabama.org/support-groups---in-person-and-virtual.html) **V. Important Considerations** - **Stigma:** Addiction is a disease, not a moral failing. Seeking help is a sign of strength. - **Relapse:** Relapse is a common part of the recovery process. It does not mean failure; it means treatment plans may need adjustment. - **Naloxone (Narcan):** This opioid overdose reversal medication is available in Alabama. Many community organizations and pharmacies provide Narcan and training on how to use it. The ADMH has initiatives to distribute naloxone to communities with the most need. - **Cost:** While private facilities may have higher costs, many state-funded and non-profit options provide low-cost or free services, and many facilities accept Medicaid, Medicare, and private insurance. - **Continuum of Care:** Recovery is a long-term process. A good treatment plan often includes various levels of care, from initial detox to ongoing outpatient therapy and support groups. If you're seeking resources for drug addiction support in Alabama, there are numerous state-specific and national programs offering help. These organizations provide detox services, counseling, treatment programs, and ongoing support for recovery. Below is a comprehensive list: --- ### **1. Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH)** - **Purpose**: Oversees substance abuse treatment services in Alabama. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **334-242-3454** - **Website**: [mh.alabama.gov](https://mh.alabama.gov) - **Services**: - Referrals to licensed treatment centers. - Information on outpatient and inpatient rehabilitation programs. - Recovery support services for individuals and families. --- ### **2. Bradford Health Services** - **Purpose**: Provides comprehensive addiction treatment services statewide. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **1-888-577-0012** - **Website**: [bradfordhealth.com](https://www.bradfordhealth.com) - **Services**: - Detox programs, outpatient, and inpatient care. - Specialized programs for adolescents and families. - Support for co-occurring mental health issues. --- ### **3. Aletheia House (Birmingham and Central Alabama)** - **Purpose**: Offers substance use treatment and supportive services. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **205-324-6502** - **Website**: [aletheiahouse.org](http://www.aletheiahouse.org) - **Services**: - Free or low-cost treatment for uninsured individuals. - Residential programs for men and women. - Counseling, case management, and housing support. --- ### **4. The Lovelady Center (Birmingham, AL)** - **Purpose**: Focuses on addiction recovery for women in a faith-based setting. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **205-833-7410** - **Website**: [loveladycenter.org](https://www.loveladycenter.org) - **Services**: - Residential recovery programs for women. - Counseling and life skills training. - Assistance with job placement and family reunification. --- ### **5. The Fellowship House (Birmingham, AL)** - **Purpose**: Provides treatment for substance use disorders in a supportive environment. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **205-933-2430** - **Website**: [fshbhm.org](https://www.fshbhm.org) - **Services**: - Transitional living programs for recovery. - Peer support and 12-step program integration. - Outpatient treatment options. --- ### **6. Focus on Recovery (Birmingham, AL)** - **Purpose**: Offers residential recovery services for women in early recovery. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **205-822-7300** - **Website**: [focus-on-recovery.org](https://www.focus-on-recovery.org) - **Services**: - Housing and support for women post-treatment. - Life skills development and relapse prevention. - Referrals to continued care programs. --- ### **7. Jefferson County Committee for Economic Opportunity (JCCEO)** - **Purpose**: Provides drug addiction support services alongside community assistance. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **205-327-7500** - **Website**: [jcceo.org](http://www.jcceo.org) - **Services**: - Counseling and case management for addiction recovery. - Referrals to detox and treatment centers. --- ### **8. Cahaba Medical Care (Multiple Locations in Alabama)** - **Purpose**: Community health center offering behavioral health and addiction treatment. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **334-872-0116** - **Website**: [cahabamedicalcare.com](https://www.cahabamedicalcare.com) - **Services**: - Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid addiction. - Integrated mental health and addiction counseling. - Outpatient recovery services. --- ### **9. Alabama 2-1-1 Connects** - **Purpose**: A statewide helpline providing connections to local addiction resources. - **Contact**: - **Phone**: **2-1-1** - **Website**: [211connectsalabama.org](https://www.211connectsalabama.org) - **Services**: - Referrals to treatment centers, detox services, and recovery groups. - Support for families of individuals with addiction. --- ### **10. Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)** - **Purpose**: Peer-led support groups for individuals recovering from alcohol and drug addiction. - **Contact**: - **AA Alabama**: [aa.org](https://www.aa.org) - **NA Alabama**: [na.org](https://www.na.org) - **Details**: - Find meetings statewide through their websites. - Free group meetings for ongoing recovery support. --- ### **11. National Helplines** - **Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)**: - **Phone**: **1-800-662-HELP (4357)** - **Website**: [samhsa.gov](https://www.samhsa.gov) - Provides confidential treatment referrals nationwide. - **Partnership to End Addiction**: - **Text**: Text **CONNECT** to **55753** - **Website**: [drugfree.org](https://www.drugfree.org) --- ### **Steps to Take for Addiction Help** 1. **Reach Out to a Helpline**: - Contact SAMHSA or Alabama 2-1-1 for immediate referrals to local resources. 2. **Find a Treatment Program**: - Work with organizations like Bradford Health Services or Aletheia House. 3. **Explore Support Groups**: - Attend AA or NA meetings for peer-led support. 4. **Seek Counseling or Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)**: - Access MAT services through Cahaba Medical Care or similar providers. 5. **Engage Family Support**: - Many programs offer family therapy and support resources to aid in recovery. Let me know if you'd like more information on any of these resources!