Resources for Mental Health and Substance Abuse

Government and Academic Sources for Information:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
The NIMH is the federal agency charged with research on mental health disorders and informing public policy that affects Americans with mental illnesses and their families. It is an expansive and reputable source of information about mental illnesses.

National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
NIDA is a government institute at the National Institutes of Health that conducts clinical research on drug use and addiction for the federal government. They have a wealth of information about addiction research, specific drugs and their effects, and much more.

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA)
The preeminent source for research and scientifically validated information on alcohol use disorders and their treatment.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
The CDC is another federal public health agency. While most people think of them as dealing only with infectious diseases, they are also trustworthy sources of information about addiction and mental health. For example:

• CDC – Emotional Well-Being
• CDC – Alcohol and Public Health

Harvard University Department of Psychiatry Research
Harvard University’s page for their Department of Psychiatry research.

Stanford University Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Services
Stanford University’s page for mental health research and information.

Duke University Psychiatry & Behavioral Services
Duke University’s page for mental health research and information.

Johns Hopkins Department of Mental Health
The Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health is a solid source of information about mental health disorders and the products of research.

Public Sources for Access to Services:

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
SAMHSA is a federal agency that advances public health, specifically focusing on the behavioral health of Americans. They are an excellent source of information and connections to local resources for substance abuse and mental health treatment.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
CALL: 1-800-273-TALK (8255) Use Lifeline Chat to chat online.

The Lifeline is a free, confidential crisis service that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Lifeline connects people to the nearest crisis center which provides crisis counseling and mental health referrals.

Veterans Crisis Line
CALL: 1-800-273-8255 and PRESS 1

The Veterans Crisis Line serves Veterans, service members, National Guard, and Reserve members, and their loved ones in a time of crisis. You do not need to be enrolled in the VA to use their services.

Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)
Florida DCF provides child and family services, and resources for domestic violence, disabilities, substance abuse, and mental health to residents of Florida. They also act as a regulatory agency for other organizations that provide related services in the state of Florida.

• DCF – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Support
• DCF – Baker Act Information
• DCF – Marchman Act Information

The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a charitable organization that provides homeless shelters, addiction treatment for people without the means to pay, food for the hungry, LGBTQ+ support, and help for domestic abuse.

• SA – Domestic Abuse Help
• SA – LGBTQ+ Support
• SA – Addiction Treatment
• SA – Homeless Shelters

Fellowship Groups and Advocacy Organizations:

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI is an excellent source of information, support, and advocacy for people living with mental illnesses and their loved ones.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
The original 12-step fellowship that started it all. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Narcotics Anonymous is a worldwide 12-step fellowship for people who want to live drug-free.

Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
A 12-step fellowship for people seeking freedom from cocaine, one day at a time.

Marijuana Anonymous
A 12-step fellowship for people who want to live without marijuana in their lives.

Celebrate Recovery (Christian 12-step for addiction)
A Bible-centered alternative to AA and NA for Christians seeking freedom from addiction.

SMART Recovery
A secular alternative to AA and NA for people who want freedom from addiction.

Refuge Recovery
A Buddhist alternative fellowship for people who want to abstain from drugs and alcohol.

Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA)
12-step group for people with sex and love addictions. The only qualification for S.L.A.A. membership is a desire to stop living out a pattern of sex and love addiction.