Does Self Help work?
[...] metanalyses [studies based on a group of other studies] find that self-help is almost as effective as other therapeutic interventions, and most change occurs between, not during, the therapy hour. Writing in the December issue of Professional Psychology: Research and Practice, he cites, for example, research showing that about 75 percent of people who change behavioral and addictive disorders do so on their own.
Psychotherapy Networker, July/August 2007, p. 16
There are a wide variety of self help groups based on the 12 steps, originally developed in Alcoholics Anonymous. Here are a few:
- For people seeking to manage their spending and debts Debtors Anonymous is a great resource
- For people working to overcome eating issues, there is Overeaters Anonymous
- For help with incest and childhood sexual abuse, the NYC branch of SIA has meeting lists for the tri-state area
- For help with issues such as grief, anxiety, low self-esteem, panic and other emotional issues, there is Emotions Anonymous
- For help with couples issues, there is Recovering Couples Anonymous. Though many couples in RCA are also in other 12
step fellowships, the only requirement for membership is a desire to "stay committed in loving and intimate relationships"
For an exhaustive list of 12 step groups
- Addictions and Recovery web site is a great resource
For a resource on drug rehabilitation centers
- DrugRehab.com offers useful information, in particular warnings about the risks of "three quarter houses."
Sex, Love & Romance Addictions
For sex and love addicts, there is:
- Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous
- Sexual Compulsives Anonymous
- Sexaholics Anonymous
- Sexual Recovery Anonymous
For friends and family members of sex addicts, there are two 12 step groups
Other Self Help Resources
There are a wide variety of resources that can help you
move closer to where, and who, you want to be.
Here are a few:
- Warm line
- Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault
- Senior resources 15 Home Modifications to Make Aging-in-Place Safe
- A site dedicated to resources for survivors of child abuse.
- A blog dedicated to resources for Healing Combat Trauma.
- For people working to overcome eating issues, the Eating Disorder Referral and Information Center is a great resource.
- According to the National Institutes of Health , about 40 million Americans suffer from chronic insomnia. There is useful insomnia information here and at the National Sleep Foundation and at the American Sleep Association
Maryland Peer Warm-Line
We help individuals living with mental health and/or substance use needs. We provide support and resources for people who are having a difficult time, might be isolating, might be entering in or out of a hospital, or if you just need to talk to somebody.
1-877-794-7337 (Peer)Hours: 10am – 10pm
The Sexual Assault Legal Institute (SALI) is a program of the Maryland Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MCASA). SALI provides direct legal services for victims and survivors of sexual assault.
DIY Safety Tips for Seniors
Assisted Living Facilities: Tips for Choosing a Facility and Making the Transition
Seven Steps to Staying Mentally Sharp as a Tack After 60
Older Adults’ Health and Age-Related Changes
A Sobering Diagnosis: Coping with a Terminal Illness Diagnosis as a Recovering Addict
Taking Care of YOU: Self-Care for Family Caregivers
Preparing Your Home for a Loved One with Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Guide