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Burlington Addiction Resources
Part of the Mount Vernon-Anacortes Metropolitan Statistical Area, Burlington is located about halfway between Seattle and Vancouver.
And while it’s population may not say “big city,” this Washington community has its fair share of metropolitan problems. Addiction is one of its worst. In fact, it’s on par with the rest of the state in terms of drug overdoses and excessive drinking, even despite its smaller size.
Like many other towns across America, one of the biggest barriers to getting support during recovery is knowing where to look. As many as 11% of addicts who know th class="white"ey have a problem don’t get the help they need simply because they don’t know where to find it.
This guide aims to address this problem. It points out some of the best addiction resources in Burlington, WA that residents can use to stay safe, supported, and sober.
Home › Drug Information › Burlington Resource InformationThe Dangers of Overdosing
An overdose is without a doubt one of the most destructive consequences of a substance abuse problem. And while addiction can lead to serious financial problems and sabotaged relationships, an overdose can cause lifelong physical and mental problems – and even death.
What’s more, overdoses are more common today than they’ve ever been. And they’re deadlier too.
In 1999, around 17 thousand Americans died from a drug overdose. In 2017, the number of casualties was as high as 70 thousand. That’s an increase of around 316% in under two decades.
Part of the reason for this jump has to do with the proliferation of fentanyl, an opioid that’s 80 to 100 times stronger than morphine. But it isn’t just fentanyl that’s killing Americans at a record rate.
Overdoses involving cocaine, benzodiazepines, psychostimulants like meth, and other drugs are all on the rise in recent years.
It’s never been more important, then, to know how to spot the signs of an overdose and to understand how best to treat one.
Not all overdoses look the same. And knowing the different symptoms of different drug types can be quite helpful in identifying an overdose in the first place.
Below are some of the most common symptoms of the most widely abused drugs today.
Crystal Meth – This stimulant is both powerful and highly addictive. And when abused, it can very easily be deadly. Some signs of a meth overdose include:
- Agitation
- Chest pain
- Coma or unresponsiveness (in extreme cases)
- Heart attack
- Irregular or stopped heartbeat
- Difficulty breathing
- Very high body temperature
- Kidney damage and possibly kidney failure
- Paranoia
- Seizures
- Severe stomach pain
- Stroke
Heroin – Perhaps one of the most destructive drugs in recent history, heroin is incredibly addictive and dangerous. Overdosing is especially common when it comes to this drug. The signs of a heroin overdose usually include:
AIRWAYS AND LUNGS
- No breathing
- Shallow breathing
- Slow and difficult breathing
EYES, EARS, NOSE, AND THROAT
- Dry mouth
- Extremely small pupils, sometimes as small as the head of a pin (pinpoint pupils)
- Discolored tongue
HEART AND BLOOD
- Low blood pressure
- Weak pulse
SKIN
- Bluish-colored nails and lips
STOMACH AND INTESTINES
- Constipation
- Spasms of the stomach and intestines
NERVOUS SYSTEM
- Coma
- Delirium
- Disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Uncontrolled muscle movements
Prescription Opioids – These medications are usually used to treat pain in patients. But due to their high addictive potential, many of these patients end up developing an addiction. And when they’re abused, they can very easily lead to an overdose. Some signs of an overdose on prescription opioids like OxyContin or Vicodin include:
- Small, constricted “pinpoint pupils”
- Falling asleep or loss of consciousness
- Slow, shallow breathing
- Choking or gurgling sounds
- Limp body
- Pale, blue, or cold skin
Alcohol – Although this drug is legal, it’s just as addictive and deadly as many other substances on this list. In fact, about 6 people die of alcohol poisoning in the U.S. every single day. Here are some of the signs to watch out for:
- Confusion
- Vomiting
- Seizures
- Slow breathing (less than eight breaths a minute)
- Irregular breathing (a gap of more than 10 seconds between breaths)
- Blue-tinged skin or pale skin
- Low body temperature (hypothermia)
- Passing out (unconsciousness) and can't be awakened
Cocaine – A popular club drug, cocaine has been widely abused in the United States for decades. But using it can also very quickly lead to a potentially-fatal overdose. Some signs of an overdose on this drug could include:
- Seizures
- Loss of awareness of surroundings
- Loss of urine control
- High body temperature, severe sweating
- High blood pressure, very fast heart rate or irregular heart rhythm
- Bluish color of the skin
- Fast or difficulty breathing
- Death
Benzodiazepines – Usually used to treat depression and anxiety, benzos like Xanax and Ativan are increasingly being abused for recreational purposes. And when they are taken excess or mixed with other drugs, they can be quite fatal. Some signs of a benzodiazepine overdose include:
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Drowsiness
- Blurred vision
- Unresponsiveness
- Anxiety
- Agitation
- Nystagmus (repetitive, uncontrolled eye movements)
- Hallucinations
- Slurred speech
- Ataxia (lack of muscle coordination)
- Coma
- Hypotonia (overly relaxed muscles)
- Weakness
- Altered mental status, impairment of thinking
- Poor memory
- Shallow breathing
- Low blood pressure
Step number one of treating an overdose is recognizing the signs. And step two is getting the right kind of qualified help. Unfortunately, overdoses can be incredibly complicated. And in many cases, it will take the support of an actual expert to ensure the very best outcomes.
As such, if you notice the signs of an overdose above, call 9-1-1 immediately.
The operators on the other end of the line will be able to send an ambulance to your location. And in the meantime, they’ll be able to assess the situation and determine what the best course of action should be. They’ll also be able to offer guidance on what you should do to help.
If you do have to leave the side of the victim for even a minute, be sure to place them in what’s known as the “recovery position.” This position is a simple and effective way of reducing the risk of certain life-threatening complications like choking or vomiting.
Operators will also likely ask you several questions regarding the victim and the situation as a whole. These may include:
- What is the age, sex, height, and weight of the victim?
- What drugs have they taken, how much did they take, and how long ago did they take them?
- Did they have a legal prescription for the drugs?
- Did they take any other substances at the same time?
Answering each of these questions honestly and accurately is key here. The better the information is, the more likely they’ll be able to help.
They may also ask you to begin performing CPR, inducing vomiting, or administering other care measures. Try to follow their instructions as closely as possible.
Once the EMTs arrive, they’ll be able to take over with more comprehensive treatments. They may, for example, use naloxone to reverse an opioid overdose. They’ll also likely transfer the victim to a hospital for further treatment and observation.
Ultimately, the key to ensuring the absolute best outcome is getting help quickly and providing information that’s accurate and honest.
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Local Support Groups Near Burlington, Washington
Overcoming an addiction alone can be tough, if not impossible. And the overwhelming majority of addicts are going to need a massive amount of support in order to stay sober day in and day out.
But unfortunately, so many people just don’t get the kind of support that they really need. And in many cases, that can quickly and easily lead to relapsing for most.
Luckily, there are so many different local support groups to choose from in the Burlington area. Below are some of the most helpful.
First founded in 1935, Alcoholics Anonymous is without a doubt one of the most popular and widely used support groups in the world. And in 2017, membership was estimated to be as high as 2.1 million.
Part of the reason it’s so successful is that these meetings are highly accessible. Membership is free, open to anyone, and completely anonymous. And when it comes to the shame and guilt often associated with addiction, that’s a big plus.
There are quite a few AA meetings taking place near Burlington too. Have a look below for some of the closest.
SUNDAY
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Sunday at 8:00AM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Sunday at 7:00PM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
BACK ALLEY GROUP
Sunday at 7:30PM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F & S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
GRUPO DESIDIDOS A CAMBIAR
Sunday at 8:00PM
1115 S 2nd St
1115 South 2nd Street
Mt. Vernon, Washington
MONDAY
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Monday at Noon
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Monday at 7:00PM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
GRUPO DESIDIDOS A CAMBIAR
Monday at 8:00PM
1115 S 2nd St
1115 South 2nd Street
Mt. Vernon, Washington
TUESDAY
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Tuesday at 7:00PM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
SKAGIT GROUP
Tuesday at 7:00PM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F & S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
GRUPO DESIDIDOS A CAMBIAR
Tuesday at 8:00PM
1115 S 2nd St
1115 South 2nd Street
Mt. Vernon, Washington
WEDNESDAY
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Wednesday at Noon
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Wednesday at 7:00PM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
GRUPO DESIDIDOS A CAMBIAR
Wednesday at 8:00PM
1115 S 2nd St
1115 South 2nd Street
Mt. Vernon, Washington
THURSDAY
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Thursday at 7:00PM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
DESIGN FOR LIVING
Thursday at 7:00PM
St. Paul's Episcopal
415 South 18th Street
Mt. Vernon, Washington
GRAND SOLUTION GROUP
Thursday at 7:00PM
Burlington Senior Ctr
1011 Greenleaf Avenue
Burlington, Washington
GRUPO DESIDIDOS A CAMBIAR
Thursday at 8:00PM
1115 S 2nd St
1115 South 2nd Street
Mt. Vernon, Washington
FRIDAY
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Friday at Noon
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
KEEP IT SIMPLE SISTER (KISS) Women
Friday at 6:00PM
Burlington Senior Ctr
1011 Greenleaf Avenue
Burlington, Washington
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Friday at 7:00PM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
BURLINGTON GROUP
Friday at 7:30PM
Washington Federal Savings & Loan
300 East Fairhaven Avenue
Burlington, Washington
GRUPO DESIDIDOS A CAMBIAR
Friday at 8:00PM
1115 S 2nd St
1115 South 2nd Street
Mt. Vernon, Washington
SATURDAY
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Saturday at 9:00AM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
SEDRO-WOOLLEY GROUP
Saturday at 7:00PM
Fairhaven Hall
309 F and S Grade Rd
Sedro Woolley, Washington
GRUPO DESIDIDOS A CAMBIAR
Saturday at 8:00PM
1115 S 2nd St
1115 South 2nd Street
Mt. Vernon, Washington
The first offshoot of AA, Narcotics Anonymous follows a similar 12-step program that can be instrumental in recovery. But rather than focusing solely on alcoholism alone, this 12-step group opens its doors to any kind of addict. That means that people addicted to heroin, meth, cocaine, and even alcohol are all welcome to attend.
And like Alcoholics Anonymous, the 12 steps used in NA are backed up by hard science too.
There are quite a few NA meetings around the Burlington area to choose from.
SUNDAY
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Sunday at Noon
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Sunday at 5:00PM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
MONDAY
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Monday at 7:30AM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Monday at Noon
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Monday at 7:00PM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
TUESDAY
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Tuesday at 7:30AM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Tuesday at Noon
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Tuesday at 5:00PM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
Spin Cafe
Tuesday at 7:00PM
658 SE Bayshore Drive
Oak Harbor, WA 98277-5700
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Tuesday at 7:00PM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Closed
Hillcrest Church
Tuesday at 7:30PM
1830 South 13th Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Map
Open
WEDNESDAY
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Wednesday at 7:30AM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Wednesday at Noon
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
Spin Cafe
Wednesday at 7:00PM
658 SE Bayshore Drive
Oak Harbor, WA 98277-5700
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Wednesday at 7:00PM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
1200 Lakeway Dr
Wednesday at 7:30PM
1200 Lakeway Drive
Bellingham, WA 98229-2034
Map
Closed
THURSDAY
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Thursday at 7:30AM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Thursday at Noon
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Thursday at 7:00PM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
Hillcrest Church
Thursday at 7:30PM
1830 South 13th Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Map
Open
FRIDAY
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Friday at 7:30AM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Friday at Noon
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
Dakota Creek Industries
Friday at 7:30PM
820 Fourth Street
Anacortes, WA 98221-1507
Map
Open
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Friday at 10:30PM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Closed
SATURDAY
New Frontiers Meeting Hall
Saturday at 10:30AM
920 North Forest Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5508
Map
Open
Saint Joseph's Hospital South Campus
Saturday at 6:30PM
809 East Chestnut Street
Bellingham, WA 98225-5221
Map
Open
Skagit Valley Hospital
Saturday at 7:00PM
1415 East Kincaid Street
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Map
Open
Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Saturday at 9:30PM
1720 Harris Avenue
Bellingham, WA 98225-6745
Map
Open
Addiction can cause a host of problems for the addict. It can cause serious financial problems, ruin an individual’s health, and can jeopardize their career. But on top of that, friends and family members of an addict are also hurt in the process. And that means they need support too.
Al-Anon is a 12-step program focusing specifically on these individuals. And for many, it can be a powerful source of healing.
There are quite a few Al-Anon meetings in the area too.
Freedom Focus AFG
Monday 6:30 PM
Faith Community Fellowship
1427 Monte Vista Dr, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273, USA
3.5 miles away
Student & Professional observers welcome
Beginners
Handicap Access
Freedom Focus AFG
Monday 7:00 PM
Faith Community Fellowship
1427 Monte Vista Dr, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273, USA
3.5 miles away
Student & Professional observers welcome
Beginners
Handicap Access
Finding Freedom AFG
Friday 7:00 PM
Mount Vernon Senior Community Center
1401 Cleveland Ave, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273, USA
Meeting room a
4.5 miles away
Student & Professional observers welcome
Skagit Serenity AFG
Wednesday 7:00 PM
MOUNT VERNON SENIOR CENTER
1401 CLEVELAND AVE, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273, USA
Use front door of senior center - in craft room
4.5 miles away
Student & Professional observers welcome
Handicap Access
Attitude To Gratitude AFG
Tuesday 12:00 PM
Bethlehem Lutheran Church
1006 Wicker Rd., Sedro Woolley, WA, 98284, USA
5.2 miles away
Student & Professional observers welcome
Spiritual Journey AFG
Monday 6:00 PM
LA CONNER RETIREMENT INN
204 N 1ST ST, LA CONNER, WA, 98257, USA
9.6 miles away
Student & Professional observers welcome
Handicap Access
Anacortes AFG
Thursday 7:00 PM
Westminster Presbyterian Church
1300 9th St, Anacortes, WA, 98221, USA
Use entrance on M Avenue
13.7 miles away
Student & Professional observers welcome
Handicap Access
Anacortes Men's AFG
Monday 7:00 PM
Westminster Presbyterian Church
1300 9th St, Anacortes, WA, 98221, USA
Use m avenue door
13.7 miles away
Men
Serenity Sisters Womens AFG
Tuesday 12:00 PM
Westminster Presbyterian Church
1300 9th St, Anacortes, WA, 98221, USA
Use m street entrance.
13.7 miles away
Student & Professional observers welcome
Women
Handicap Access
Sometimes, it can be hard for young people to open up to others outside of their own age group. And that can make it especially difficult for young people who have been negatively impacted by another person’s drinking.
Alateen is a 12-step group devoted specifically to helping younger people get the support they so desperately need. And since they’re surrounded by people around their same age, they’re often more likely to be open about their experiences.
There are a few Alateen meetings happening around Burlington to choose from.
Absolutely Awesome Alateen
Monday 6:30 PM
Faith Community Fellowship
1427 Monte Vista Drive, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273, USA
Age range 9-18. Front door
3.5 miles away
We Welcome You Alateen
Tuesday 7:30 PM
Immaculate Conception Church
1200 E 5th St, Arlington, WA, 98223, USA
Age range 11-19. Basement
21.6 miles away
Between the Beaches Alateen
Thursday 4:00 PM
Orcas Community Resource Center
374-A North Beach Road, Eastsound, WA, 98279, USA
Age range 11-19.
30.6 miles away
Handicap Access
Granite Serenity Alateen
Friday 1:00 PM
General Care Granite Falls at the Village
302 N Alder Ave, Granite Falls, WA, 98252, USA
Age range 11-19. In Cafeteria
31.7 miles away
Healing Hearts Alateen
Monday 7:30 PM
First Baptist Church
1702 Main St, Lake Stevens, WA, 98258, USA
Age range 12-20.
34.1 miles away
Handicap Access
Abbotsford Alateen
Tuesday 7:15 PM
H. o. M. E Society Building
31581 South Fraser Way, Abbotsford, BC, V2T 1T8, CANADA
Teenagers; for details call 888-425-2666.
39.5 miles away
Handicap Access
Just as family members of alcoholics have Al-Anon, those close to drug addicts of any kind have Nar-Anon. And also like Al-Anon, these meetings may cover topics like enabling, interventions, and getting the right kind of help.
There aren’t nearly as many Nar-Anon meetings happening nearby as other 12-step groups. But even still, there are a couple to choose from.
Healing Waters
St Luke's Community Health
3333 Squalicum Parkway
Bellingham, Washington 98225
Monday
5:30pm
No Matter What
Washington Trucking Yard
6615-172nd St NE
Arlington, WA 98223
Small building on the left immediately upon enter the yard.
Thursday
7:00pm
Growing up in an alcoholic home can be both immediately damaging and traumatizing. And that trauma can often lead to problems that persist well into adulthood for many.
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACoA) is a 12-step group that focuses on the unique struggles of these individuals and helps promote healing.
There are a number of ACoA groups holding meetings around Burlington, Washington.
WASHINGTON, Freeland ( Island)
Monday 07:00 pm
-This meeting is being held at Carole's Barber Shop
5565 s lotto ave, 98249
(English) Open to all, Discussion, Fellowship Text, Book Study, Steps, Needs Support,
WASHINGTON, Everett ( Snohomish)
Friday 05:30 pm
Everett ACA- We meet at Providence hospital, Pacific Campus, in the Monte Cristo Room, main floor across from the Café. We have no storage on site, so BYO, Red Book and coffee. We do not sell literature at this time.
Providence Hospital, 916 Pacific Ave, 98290
(English) , Discussion, Book Study, Wheelchair Access, Non Smoking
Non Smoking
Washington, Lynwood ( Snohomish)
Monday 07:00 PM
Lynwood Harmony Group-across from the Fred Meyers on 196th. Verdant Community Center, Second Floor
4710 196th St. S.W., 98036
(English) Open to all, Discussion, Steps, Book Study,
Non Smoking
Washington, Lynwood ( King)
Saturday 10:00 AM
Saturday 10am-Please park in the back and enter through the back door at the Lynnwood Alano Club, as the front door will be locked.
4001 198th Street SW, 98036
(English) Open to all, Discussion, Steps, Book Study, Fellowship Text,
Non Smoking
British Columbia, Victoria ( BC)
Saturday 10:30 am
Love and Acceptance ACA Group-Corner of Finlayson and Douglas Streets, in the Van City Community Room. Access to the room is from the parking lot via a door between the credit union and the coffee shop.
3075 Douglas Street, V8Z-7H4
(English) Open to all, Discussion, Fellowship Text, Book Study, Steps, Wheelchair Access, Non-Smoking,
British Columbia, Victoria ( )
Tuesday 07:00 pm
Islanders C ACA Group-Take Arena Road off of Tillicum Road to go down behind Tillicum Mall. Go in the main doors of Pearkes Rec Centre/Arena, take the first left, go all the way to the end of the hall, and then go right into the big daycare room.
Saanich Neighbourhood Place, 3100 Tillicum Road, V9A 6T2
(English) Beginners, Open to all, Discussion, Fellowship Text, Book Study, Steps, Wheelchair Access, Non-Smoking,
Please no children
WASHINGTON, Bothell ( King)
Saturday 08:00 am
Bothell Early Birds-First Lutheran Church in downtown Bothell WA
10207 NE 183RD ST, 98011
(English) Open to all, Discussion, Book Study, Speaker, Steps,
Washington, Shoreline ( King)
Wednesday 07:00 PM
Shoreline Wed ACA-Department of Human Services building
17018 15th Avenue NE, 98155
(English) Beginners, Open to all, Discussion,
Not all recovery support has to come from a 12-step group. And in fact, the principles of these meetings simply might not mesh with personal beliefs about what recovery should be.
Thankfully, there are quite a few 12-step alternatives available. And SMART Recovery is one of the best.
These groups are firmly based in scientific research and provide evidence-based techniques and strategies for maintaining sobriety. They are also non-spiritual in nature.
Below are some of the closest SMART Recovery groups near Burlington.
Burlington, Washington – Monday at 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
910 South Anacortes Street
98233 Burlington Washington
Meeting: #1700
Public Standard
Burlington, Washington – Wednesday at 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
910 South Anacortes Street
98233 Burlington Washington
Meeting: #1701
Public Standard
Burlington, Washington – Wednesday at 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
910 South Anacortes Street
98233 Burlington Washington
Meeting: #2590
Public Standard
Burlington, Washington-Thursday 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM
910 South Anacortes Street
98233 Burlington Washington
Meeting: #3645
Public Standard
Anacortes, Washington – Sunday 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM
1300 9th Street
98221 Anacortes Washington
Meeting: #3927
Adults Public Standard
For some, flexibility is a real problem when it comes to getting the support they need. Many people have full schedules, no means of travel, or just a crippling anxiety about attending in-person meetings.
Online support groups offer a ready source of support right from the comfort of your own home. Depending on the meeting, they may follow a real-time chat format, take place via email, or may even use video conferencing to connect members.
Below are some of the best places to get started.
- Alcoholics Anonymous Online Groups
- Narcotics Anonymous Online Groups (select “Web” under “Country” in “NA Meeting Search”)
- Al-Anon Online Groups
- Alateen Online Groups
- Nar-Anon Online Groups
- Adult Children of Alcoholics Online Groups
Professional Treatment for The Best Recovery Outcomes
Support is vital for recovery. And the more an addict receives, the higher their chances of long-term sobriety will likely be. However, local groups and a strong social support network usually isn’t enough to keep an addict from falling back into substance abuse.
And just like any other disease, addiction has to be treated to ensure the best possible outcome.
That’s where professional programs come in. These programs use treatment strategies and techniques grounded in actual hard science to address the full spectrum of addiction. That means treating both the body and the mind.
And ultimately, that means a better rate of recovery, fewer relapses, and a brighter and soberer future for patients.
Professional programs offer higher success rates – that much is obvious. But there are plenty of other benefits to these programs as well, many of which recovering addicts don’t always consider.
Below are some of the best other reasons to partner with a professional program.
- With nursing staff, medical equipment, and physician oversight, many programs have patient safety at top of mind. And considering that some stages of recovery can have deadly complications (especially with alcohol), this is a massive benefit of a professional program.
- They offer a range of amenities that make recovery far more comfortable.
- They may use both medicated and holistic approaches. That means access to special addiction medications as well as specially-crafted meal plans, exercise regimens, and other health treatments.
- They connect patients with a dedicated emotional and motivational support network to help keep them on the road to recovery.
- They usually offer aftercare referrals. These additional programs help keep patients from falling back into substance abuse long after graduating from the program.
Treatment programs are usually broken down into two specialties: detoxification and rehabilitation.
Detoxification – Addiction is usually accompanied by both mental and physical dependency. And as the first phase of a treatment program, detoxification deals specifically with the physical side of this disease.
When an addict decides to quit, their body has become so used to having a drug in its system that stopping will usually cause a range of uncomfortable and even dangerous symptoms. These are called withdrawals. Some of the most common include:
- Fatigue
- Cold sweats
- Muscle aches
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Insomnia
- Depression
- Irritability
- Paranoia
- Anxiety
And many times, these withdrawals can be so problematic and distressing that recovering addicts turn back to using simply as a way to relieve them. This, of course, often leads to a full-blown relapse.
A professional detoxification program helps prevent patients from turning back to using, even in the most trying of moments. But on top of that, these programs actually treat the symptoms of withdrawal, making it far easier to get through the process.
Finally, a professional detox program will also monitor patient health and safety. And considering the fact that many withdrawal syndromes can actually be dangerous with gone through without help, this is one of the biggest benefits of partnering with a professional detox program.
Rehabilitation – While detox is primarily concerned with the physical side of addiction, rehabilitation is all about the mental side.
Over time, addicts develop uncontrollable drug-seeking behaviors. And these behaviors are ingrained in the brain. There’s even evidence from brain imaging studies that certain areas of the brain become physically altered over the course of an addiction. And these areas are often associated with decision-making, control, and judgment.
By using one-on-one counseling, group talk sessions, and various behavioral therapies, rehab programs address these underlying destructive behaviors. And with a bit of hard work, they help recovering addicts replace these behaviors with healthier life strategies they can continue to use long after a program is completed.
There are three main types of rehab programs too.
- Inpatient Rehab – These programs offer the most intensive level of care when it comes to rehab. Patients are usually treated for about 30 days. And over the course of the program, they eat, sleep, and receive treatment all in the same centralized location. And while it offers a higher level of care, these programs can be a bit disruptive to normal day-to-day obligations like school or work.
- Outpatient Rehabilitation – An outpatient program is usually about 3 months in length. And it makes treatment quite a bit more flexible than inpatient care. Patients are able to go about their day as normal. And on certain evenings, they go in for treatment sessions that typically last just a few hours. However, since their environment is much less controlled, it also comes with a higher rate of relapse.
- Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) – IOPs offer a high level of care that’s more flexible than inpatient rehab. Treatment sessions follow the outpatient model but are usually longer and occur more frequently throughout the week. It’s a great choice for recovering addicts that need more help than outpatient but can’t dedicate the time to inpatient.
There are two main addiction treatment centers in Burlington with a few more across the Skagit River in Mt. Vernon. And while there’s obvious benefit to finding a nearby treatment program, proximity certainly isn’t the only thing worth considering.
In fact, one of the best choices someone can make about their recovery is deciding to travel for treatment rather than staying in their hometown.
There are quite a few benefits to doing so. Most notably, it opens up the door to higher quality services. And that translates to a higher recovery success rate. That’s because not all facilities use the same treatments or follow the same model. And consequently, they may not offer the specific and individualized services that each patient requires to be successful.
And instead of looking at which programs are closest, the key to recovery is finding the program that’s right for you.
There are a few other benefits worth mentioning too. Travelling for treatment can:
- Provide greater privacy and confidentiality.
- Make it harder to quit when the going gets tough.
- Eliminate distractions that may pop up in your hometown.
- Provide a fresh start in a completely new environment.
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Our Drug/Alcohol Rehab Center
Despite its small-town feel, Burlington actually has a huge number of addiction resources to help keep residents safe, supported, and sober. And hopefully, this guide has been able to show you that recovery doesn’t have to be an isolating experience.
And when it does come time to partner with a professional program, Northpoint Recovery is here to offer the absolute best addiction treatment in the Pacific Northwest.
Our Boise, Idaho inpatient program specializes in both drug rehabilitation as well as alcohol detox and rehab. Each program is individually tailored to meet the unique needs of every patient. And with the highest staff-to-patient ratio in the area, we are committed to providing the level of care you or your loved one needs to recover.
We’re even nationally accredited by the Joint Commission – proof of our dedication to above-and-beyond treatment services that are proven to work.
However, Northpoint Recovery isn’t going to be the right fit for everyone. Talking to an expert addiction professional can help you determine if your or your loved one’s situation is a match.
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Recovery and sobriety are possible – with the right help. And at Northpoint Recovery, we’d love to be a part of your journey towards a drug-free life.
So, call us today to get started.
This website and the information contained in it are for informational purposes only. Always consult a doctor before making choices that may affect your health. This site is not meant to replace medical advice from a qualified physician. If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately. This website does not recommend any tests, physicians, products or procedures. Relying upon any information found on this website is done at your own risk.
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Our admissions coordinators are here to help you get started with treatment the right way. They'll verify your health insurance, help set up travel arrangements, and make sure your transition into treatment is smooth and hassle-free.
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