Substance Use Recovery

"TRUE RECOVERY is the healing of the human spirit. It is the recognition that we not only have the right to live, but the right to be happy. It is the ability to have a successful work/life and satisfying relationships with family members and other loved ones. TRUE RECOVERY means being able to experience all the joy of life without dread or a fear that it will end, and that it’s too good to be true."

– Marilyn J. White 

Founder of the Realization Center

Recovery is possible for anyone wishing to live a life free of addiction. There are many methods such as Harm Reduction, Self-Help Groups, 12-Step Groups, Medical Treatment, Psychological Treatment, and Spiritual Growth. Millions of people around the world have achieved Sobriety and have stayed sober for many, many years. It just takes the ability to ask for help.

Treatment Programs

There are a variety of treatment programs available in New York City to anyone seeking help with their substance use or misuse. helpNYC has gathered a list of great programs at all levels of needs.

12 Step Fellowships

12 Step Fellowships are based on a set of guiding principles outlining a course of action for recovery from addiction, compulsion, or other behavioral challenges.

Recovery Lifestyle

For many in Recovery from Substance Use, treatment and spiritual programs aren't enough to feel connected in the world.  Recovery Lifestyle programs and groups allow those in recovery to be in safe spaces with other people that do not include mind- or mood-altering substances like alcohol or drugs.  These spaces provide a chance to meet and build connections with like minded sober people.

Self Help Groups & Resources

All Recovery methods can be defined as Self Help in one way or another. This section lists groups, programs, other methods people have used to find a life in recovery.

Medication-Assisted Treatment

For many who seek substance use disorder treatment, they find Medication-Assisted Treatment as a helpful tool to reduce or stop their dependence on substances.

Medication-assisted treatment is the use of FDA-approved medications, in combination with counseling and behavioral therapies, to provide a “whole-patient” approach to the treatment of substance use disorders.

Mainly, medications are used for challenges with opioids or alcohol use.  But, therapies do exist for other substances as well. 

Harm Reduction Programs

Harm Reduction Programs aim to minimize the negative health, social, and legal impacts associated with substance use. Harm reduction is grounded in human rights and respecting a person’s dignity.  It focuses on positive change and working with people without judgment, coercion, discrimination, or requiring that they stop using substances as a precondition of support.

Syringe Exchange Programs

Syringe Exchange Programs provide low-barrier access to clean and safe syringes for people who use substances. Using the harm reduction model, syringe exchange programs reduce the risk drastically for the transmission of diseases contracted through blood such as HIV and Hepatitis C.  Syringe exchange programs are an integral part of the Harm Reduction approach to substance use treatment.