Expatriates And Addiction - How To Find Supportive Recovery Options

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Expatriates And Addiction – How To Find Supportive Recovery Options

The journey towards recovery from addiction will always be challenging. But it can perhaps be even more difficult for expatriates living abroad. Away from home, you might feel cut off from the support systems that you are used to or not know where to find help. However, whatever country you have relocated to, there will be multiple options to get the support you need. Here are some of the best ways to find support.

Find Local Treatment Facilities

There is sure to be a treatment facility in the country you have moved to, so perform an online search to find the ones nearest to you and view the services they provide.

Alternatively, your doctor will be able to provide you with a list of treatment facilities and provide you with support to help you find the right strategy to assist you in recovery.

Specialised treatment centres offer physical and mental health services that cater specifically to those struggling with addiction. They usually provide services like detoxification, therapeutic counselling sessions, and relapse prevention training.

If you are located in Indiana, USA, consider getting recovery support at Fort Wayne Recovery. The professional therapists and coaches can assist you in a variety of ways to help you gain control over your addiction and begin the path to recovery.

Access Remote Counselling and Therapy Services

In this digital age, geographical location need not be a barrier when it comes to getting quality therapy for drug or alcohol addiction.

Various apps and websites offer online counselling services. So, no matter where you are located in the world, virtual therapy can assist you towards a meaningful recovery path.

By performing an online search, you can easily find a reputable counselling or therapy service. You may like to connect with a service in your current country or you may prefer to have a virtual therapy session with a native of your homeland so that you feel more at ease.

Join Online Self-Help Recovery Groups

There are numerous online platforms and forums available for people dealing with addiction issues and recovery. You do not have to be a resident of any specific country to access most of them.

Websites such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, and SMART Recovery all provide supportive environments for sharing experiences and connecting with others in similar situations.

The power of shared experiences can spur you towards recovery, as you realise you are not alone in your struggle.

Find Local Community Resources

Even though you may be far from home, reaching out to the local community can provide a good support network, even if it is just having people to whom you can talk when you are struggling.

Churches, mosques, other religious organisations, and charities often run addiction recovery groups. Additionally, clinics or hospitals should have relevant resources or contacts within the local community that can assist.

Specific Support Services

Now you know the best ways to find supportive recovery options when you are an expat, you can locate the support you need more easily and begin your journey to full recovery.

The following specific services in some of the most popular expatriate countries might also be of great assistance.

USA

For expats in the USA, organisations such as SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) can provide effective resources for addiction recovery.

Additionally, nationwide programs like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous offer local meetings for group support.

Australia

In Australia, the Australian Department of Health has several initiatives to help expats deal with addictions, along with Lifeline, which is a crisis support hotline.

Furthermore, the Salvation Army provides addiction recovery programmes throughout the country.

France

For expats in France, an organisation known as SOS Addictions is a hub for addicts seeking help. They coordinate care and offer treatment options while also facilitating contact with therapists designed for individual needs.

Portugal

SICAD (The Intervention Service on Addictive Behaviours and Dependencies) operates in Portugal. It provides free counselling and therapeutic assistance services tailored to all kinds of addictive behaviours.

Spain

In Spain, Proyecto Hombre is highly regarded for its addiction recovery work. The organisation is committed to assisting individuals to overcome problems involving substance abuse through comprehensive treatment methodologies.

Moving Abroad Checklist

Initial Considerations

Will your partner be travelling with you?

If so, what will they be giving up in your present home and will they be able to continue with their career in your new home? You will need to check whether a separate visa is required for your partner to work or if your visa gives that right. If they are unable to work you will need to decide on the effect on your finances and what alternatives are available to give a fulfilling life (home business, training, voluntary work).

Are you taking family with you?

Moving with family raises many exciting opportunities, but also can create challenges. The HSBC Expat Explorer survey indicates that expat kids can take six months to settle in to their new country (see article). Getting young or even older children to prepare to move and leave their friends and family behind can be a challenge and should be thought through.

The options for education is another area that needs to be thought through.

Moving your child to a new country with a different education system can be a great opportunity to broaden their experience, but if they are close to key exams the timing can make this inadvisable. If you do take your family with you, it is important to decide between joining the local school system or choosing an international school.

Where will you be living?

Whether you will be living in a house or apartment, furnished or unfurnished, these decisions will affect what you need to take with you. The time you are planning to live overseas will also affect whether you should leave your property at home empty, rent it out or sell it. See the article Sell, Store or Ship.