Each September, National Recovery Month shines a light on the importance of recovery, celebrates the people who have overcome substance use disorders, and reminds us that help is available. Whether you're looking for addiction recovery resources for yourself, wondering how to support someone in recovery, or searching for trustworthy information, knowing where to turn makes a difference. From crisis support and treatment referrals to peer recovery coaches and family support groups, there are many resources available to help individuals and families find guidance and hope at every stage of the recovery journey.
Resources for addiction recovery
Recovery looks different for everyone, and the right support can vary from person to person. These resources offer a range of services for individuals in recovery, as well as family members and caregivers:
- Peer recovery coaches
When you’re struggling with substance use disorder, you might feel misunderstood by well-intentioned loved ones who haven’t shared your experiences. Walking the path to recovery and engaging in treatment can be made easier when you have the support of someone with firsthand understanding of what it’s like to live through addiction—and research supports that.
If you’re a member of Mass General Brigham Health Plan, you can be matched with a peer recovery coach by emailing HealthPlanYourCareCircle@mgb.org or calling our Clinical Support Coordinator at 866-456-4059. You can also find a list of peer recovery support centers on this Mass.gov webpage. - Support groups
In combination with medical treatment for substance use disorder, support groups can be highly effective in helping a person in recovery maintain their sobriety. Whether you’re looking for faith-based or secular support, there’s a group out there for you. Many groups also offer virtual and in-person meetings, making it easier to find support that fits your schedule and comfort level.
Depending on what you’re looking for in a support group and what substance you’re struggling with, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery are some good potential options. Al-Anon and Nar-Anon also exist to support families of people struggling with substance use disorder. - Helplines
Helplines can assist you in getting information about treatment or supporting you during a time of emotional distress. Trained specialists can connect you with local treatment providers, recovery services, and other community resources. Whether you're in crisis or simply unsure where to begin, a helpline can be a valuable first step toward getting help.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers a National Helpline for free, confidential information and referrals to treatment. You can contact them by calling 800-662-HELP (4357) or by texting your five-digit ZIP code to 435748 (HELP4U). The 988 Lifeline is another resource available to anyone in crisis or experiencing alcohol or drug use concerns. You can reach them by calling or texting 988. - Rehabilitation centers
Rehab is designed to provide those struggling with substance use disorder with tools and support that significantly improve recovery outcomes. Stays are typically inpatient and last between 28 and 90 days, sometimes longer. In rehab, you can expect to fill your day with individual therapy, group therapy, and downtime for healing.
If you’re a member of Mass General Brigham Health Plan and need help finding a nearby rehab center, you can log into the Member Portal, navigate to the provider search tool, and search by place or medical specialty. Non-members can find a rehab center by using their own provider search tool, Googling “drug and alcohol treatment near me,” speaking to their behavioral health provider, or calling SAMHSA’s helpline for local referrals.
Recovery isn't always a straight path, but no one has to navigate it alone. Reaching out for support—for yourself or a loved one—is an important first step. Recovery is possible, and help is available every step of the way.
