HELPFUL INFORMATION AND RESOURCES

TRAUMA AND ADDICTION: TOOLS FOR RECOVERY

Addiction to alcohol or drugs is now recognized as a frequent outcome of a traumatic experience or experiences. Sexual trauma can be an important activator of addiction to alcohol, drugs or other substances.

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Alcoholics Anonymous is a voluntary, worldwide fellowship of women and men from all walks of life who meet together to attain and maintain sobriety. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Sobriety is maintained through sharing their experience, strength and hope at group meetings and through the suggested Twelve Steps for recovery from alcoholism. http://www.aa.org/

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There are other similar Twelve Step programs to consider including:

• Sex Addicts Anonymous:  http://www.saa-recovery.org/

• Crystal Meth Anonymous: https://crystalmeth.org/index.php

• Sexaholic’s Anonymous: http://www.sa.org/

• Sexual Recovery Anonymous: http://sexualrecovery.org/

• Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous: http://www.slaafws.org/

• Over Eaters Anonymous:  https://www.oa.org/

• Narcotics Anonymous: https://www.na.org/

• Al-Anon: http://www.al-anon.org/

• Debtor’s Anonymous: http://www.debtorsanonymous.org/

• Gambler’s Anonymous: http://www.gamblersanonymous.org/ga/locations

• Underearner’s Anonymous: http://underearnersanonymous.org/

• Co-Dependents Anonymous: http://coda.org/

COPING WITH STRESS

Feeling emotional and nervous or having trouble sleeping and eating can all be normal reactions to stress.

Here are some healthy ways you can deal with stress:

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Eat healthy, well-balanced meals, exercise on a regular basis, get plenty of sleep, and give yourself a break if you feel stressed out.

TALK TO OTHERS

Share your problems and how you are feeling and coping with a parent, friend, counselor, doctor, or pastor.

AVOID OR LIMIT DRUGS AND ALCOHOL

These may seem to help with the stress. But in the long run, they create additional problems and increase the stress you are already feeling.

TAKE A BREAK AND BREATHE

If news events are causing your stress, take a break from listening or watching the news. There are beneficial apps on your phone to facilitate that one moment to yourself such as Insight Timer and HeadSpace.

RECOGNIZE WHEN YOU NEED HELP

If problems continue, or you are thinking about suicide, talk to a psychologist, social worker, or professional counselor.

LGBTQ RESOURCES

• Anti-Violence Project

• Blackpast

• Center for Black Equity

• CenterLink

• COLAGE

• GLAAD

• GMHC

• Intersex Society of North America

• It Gets Better Project

• LAMDA Legal

• Matthew Shepard Foundation

• Movement Advancement Project

• National LGBT Health Education Center

• Out & Equal

• Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)

• Straight for Equality

• The Williams Institute

• Transgender Law & Policy Institute

• The Trevor Project

• World Professional Association for Transgender Health

TOP MENTAL HEALTH APPS

Calm – iPhone (Free)

Headspace – Android & iPhone (Free)

Moodnotes – iPhone ($3.99)

Moodpath – Android & iPhone (Free)

Pacifica – Android & iPhone (Free)

SuperBetter – Android & iPhone (Free)

7 Cups – Android & iPhone (Free)

Anxiety Relief Hypnosis – Android & iPhone (Free)

Happify – Android & iPhone (Free)

TalkSpace – Android & iPhone (Free)

Insight Timer – Android & iPhone (Free)

My 3 – Android & iPhone (Free)