What can people who are in addiction treatment learn from recovery blogs and online resources? Almost anything!
Drug addiction blogs and websites cover infinite topics and perspectives across multiple disciplines. They often include personal accounts from recovery bloggers, advice from doctors and health experts, or details on the latest research. Even the Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse, Dr. Nora Volkow, has a blog.
For many who are recovering from substance use disorders, reading such resources introduces them to new information and empowers them to continue on their journey. Highlighted below are five must-reads to get you started.
Recovery Blogs and Resources for People Struggling With Substance Use Disorder
Overcoming substance use is undeniably a struggle, but knowing there’s a source of information and support helps pave the path to recovery. These five recovery blogs and resources offer valuable insights.
1. MATClinics
The MATClinics blog features an assortment of readings specifically about medication assisted treatment programs for substance use disorder. Multiple articles feature information about Suboxone®, a medication prescribed during opioid replacement therapy. A top-performing recovery blog titled “What is a Suboxone® Clinic?” informs the readers how behavioral therapy and prescription medication in an outpatient setting can treat opioid addiction and empowers the reader to seek recovery.
Many articles focus on the residents of Maryland, which has a large rural population. In fact, 18 of the 24 counties of the state of Maryland are considered rural. This is relevant to highlight because, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the rate of drug overdose deaths in rural areas has surpassed rates in urban areas all over the country.
Even though many MATClinic articles focus on local residents, many of them include helpful information for anyone with questions about opioid dependence and recovery.
2. Dr. Nora Volkow
Research psychiatrist and scientist Nora D. Volkow, MD, is a pioneer, demonstrating that drug abuse is a brain disease. She is widely known for using brain imaging to show the toxic effects of drugs on the brain. Dr. Volkow has published numerous studies on addiction, including on the use of medical interventions to treat opioid use disorders and the brain disease model of addiction.
Dr. Volkow’s blog highlights many scientific studies about substance use disorders and their neurological effects.
3. SAMHSA
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's blog tackles recent scientific research on mental health crises and substance addictions. Posts cover recovery support, treatment, prevention, family and community roles, and more.
SAMHSA is an agency under the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) with a mission to reduce the impact of mental illness and substance abuse on American communities.
4. ASAM
The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) is a professional organization that represents over 6,600 health professionals focused on addiction medicine and care. Its website offers a wealth of information and advice about the different aspects of substance use disorders.
Whether you are a private reader looking for guidance or a health professional seeking to advance in your career in addiction medicine, you'll find plenty of resources here. Its website is updated regularly with articles and news. But if you want to stay updated on everything ASAM does, you can subscribe to its weekly newsletter, The ASAM Weekly.
5. Providers Clinical Support System
Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS) is a SAMHSA-funded program that aims to train healthcare providers in the use of scientific responses to the opioid overdose epidemic. Led by the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry (AAAP), it conducts training and clinical mentoring programs to enhance primary care providers' knowledge and skills in preventing, identifying, and treating opioid use disorders.
Its website has plenty of resources for both individuals and professionals, but you will find more recent updates via its news page.
Be Inspired in your Journey to Recovery with MATClinics
Addiction recovery blogs and websites can cover a wide range of topics or focus on one particular substance, treatment approach, or perspective. Reading a daily blog or news resource can inspire your recovery journey and expand your horizons, but more assistance is often needed.
At MATClinics, we provide those struggling with substance use disorders with the resources they need on the road to recovery. Our services include Suboxone® treatment, counseling, and case management. Our team is composed of caring individuals equipped to address your unique situation.
Contact MATClinics today to start your recovery journey.