There are many reasons you might be reading this article. It may be that you are already working on your sobriety and wonder if this article is going to get it right. It may be that someone, be it a family member or friend, is struggling with alcohol or drug use. Or maybe, you are looking for answers to get help for yourself. Deciding to give up alcohol or drugs for good is not an easy decision, though it is one made by many. While the path can appear long and intimidating, especially if you’re just starting, this article is intended to let you know about different options out there that could make the journey a bit easier.

One of the most popular options for getting help is joining a support group. It’s free, offers structure, and lets people going through similar struggles connect with each other. Peace Officers Fellowship (POF) or Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) are the best known of these, but there are a number of other options. Some of these include SMART Recovery, LifeRing Secular Recovery and SOS Recovery Community Organization. Many of these meetings have been moved online due to COVID-19, allowing you to check them out via Zoom.

Rehab, a catch-all term for supervised programs designed to help people stop using drugs or alcohol and give them the tools they need to live a healthy life, comes in many forms. Outpatient rehab often means visiting a nearby center for sessions with substance use treatment professionals on a regular basis while continuing to work. Inpatient rehab involves checking into a residential treatment facility for a period of time to receive intensive and high-structured care.

Although not as well-known as support groups and rehab, there are also several medications that can help people stay sober. These medications can be helpful as they relieve some of the withdrawal symptoms and cravings people experience when trying to quit drugs and/or alcohol. These medications are often prescribed as part of an inpatient or outpatient rehab program by medical doctors.

Getting sober may feel impossible at times, but I promise you — it isn’t. For many people, getting sober is a struggle; you’re not alone. You’re not even alone if you’ve tried this already; it’s not unusual to try several times to get sober before succeeding. In fact, whichever part of the journey you may be experiencing, there’s guaranteed to be another person who’s been there first and gotten to the other side.

There are more resources for getting sober than ever before, so there is no reason to take this journey on your own. Being safe, getting the help you need when you need it and having someone to talk to can make all the difference. With a little research and the right support system, you can succeed. Whatever your personal needs may be, there is likely to be a solution that will be a good fit for you. If you’d like more information on this topic, consider checking out the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website at samhsa.gov. Additionally, you can call Psychological Services Bureau at (213) 738-3500 with any questions you have. We have law enforcement psychologists and trained deputy personnel ready to provide confidential and free help to assist you. If you are sworn, POF is also available. You can contact one of the members above, and they will be more than happy to assist a fellow deputy.