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Substance Abuse

Substance abuse treatment is often ordered as a condition by the Court or U.S. Parole Commission so you are required to participate in substance abuse treatment and support in order to alleviate symptoms from alcohol and drug abuse that contribute to further illegal activity, unstable lifestyles, poor compliance with Court supervision, and further risk to the community.   Substance abuse treatment and drug testing (urinalysis) are provided by officers or community agencies, and where needed, contract service providers.

Treatment may involve detoxification and may consist of individual, family, or group counseling in an outpatient or residential setting depending on level of need. It also can include alternative strategies.  Additionally, our substance abuse treatment programs generally include various detection methods of testing for the use of drugs or alcohol.  Many of the services officers help to arrange are available in local public and private service organizations (resources listed below), but often, due to a lack of the specific services available locally, or your level of need, these can be provided through Probation contracts with local programs. 

For a better understanding of the role of treatment in recovery, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration of HHS provides a 2010 report that contains an extensive description of the types of recovery systems and treatment alternatives available from the eyes of the recovering person.  Additionally, here are excellent websites by the National Institute on Drug Abuse explaining what to know and look for when seeking or attending substance abuse treatment, descriptions of treatment approaches for drug and alcohol addiction, and what the important principles and components of a good treatment program.

There are also national, state, and support resources and information available to assist those working to overcome the effects of substance abuse in their lives, some of which are listed below.

NATIONAL RESOURCES

U.S. Department of Health Human Services - Substance Abuse Services:  Know Your Rights

National Institute on Drug Abuse: Facts and Publications on Drugs of Abuse.  They also have great resources on all the negative health effects and treatment options for the various drugs of abuse, as well as resources, information and support for patients and families.  SAMHSA also has an excellent comprehensive website for information, services and support for nicotine and tobacco addictions.

Addiction Resource Guide (facility listings, program profiles, intervention and professional services, internet resources, etc.)

The Mental Health and Substance Abuse Information Center is the Texas State Center for the RADAR Network, a consortium of agencies in 50 states providing alcohol, tobacco and other drug information and literature to individuals and communities from the National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information

Alcohol and Drug Abuse Information

TEXAS RESOURCES

Substance abuse treatment programs can be found near you through the Substance Abuse Treatment Program/Facility locator of the U.S. Dept. of HHS/Substance Abuse/Mental Health Services Administration, and through the Texas Department of State Health Services.  Here is the current pdf file listing of licensed substance abuse services programs in Texas (DSHS).

Additionally, the Texas Dept. State Health Services (DSHS) maintains a site listing all the approved Faith-Based Substance Abuse Counseling programs with licensure waiver exemptions.  Additionally, Texas DSHS provides a listing of Licensed Narcotic Treatment Programs which include locations and contact information.

Lastly, here's the services search engine for a wide variety of services in Texas, which includes substance abuse.  You simply select your area/zip code, and enter "substance abuse".

As a consumer of substance abuse treatment in Texas, it is important to be familiar with the program rules and client/consumer rights when seeking or receiving treatment services from a treatment program.

ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT ORGRANIZATIONS

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Alcoholic Anonymous - AA (national support group focused on the 12 Steps to recovery)

AA Big Book Online (English, Spanish and French)

The Twelve Traditions and 12 Steps of AA

Sobriety Calculator (AA)

Texas AA Resources

Greater Dallas AA Intergroup and searchable meetings directory (by area)

Online AA Intergroup (web-based resources)

Guidelines and Tips for those Court-ordered to attend AA, and the Newcomer Guide (learning about the program and process)

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)

National NA link (meeting locations, literature, news, events, etc.)

12 Steps of NA

Dallas NA (event calendar, meeting locations, resources, etc.)

Al-Anon and Al-Ateen (support and guidance for spouse, kids, and relatives of the alcoholic)

Al-Anon and Alateen  (national resources)

Al-Anon and Alateen meetings, Texas, and other state websites (national locator)

Is there an Alcoholic in Your Life? - Message of Hope (World AA)

Texas statewide website for Al-Anon and Alateen (background, meetings, events, etc.)

Agape Center -links to local Al-Anon and Al-Ateen Groups in Texas (by location)

Celebrate Recovery (religiously-oriented recovery peer support around the country)

National link to numerous addiction support and advocacy services through Addiction Resource Guide.