You’ve thought about getting help with your substance abuse for a while, and now you’ve reached one of the hardest milestones in drug and alcohol recovery — asking for help. We at Crestview Recovery, a drug addiction treatment program in Portland, Oregon, understand your hesitation. Need to know more about an addiction treatment program? Call us today at 866.262.0531.
Here are some of the ways to help you ask for drug addiction help.
Write an Email to Someone You Respect
Many times, it is easier to write things than it is to speak them. While this may seem cold and impersonal, it isn’t about what the other person on the end of the email thinks. Instead, it is really all about how it will help you on your journey. Whether you don’t want them to hear your voice break, or you just can’t look them in the eye, writing it down in an email can be one of the best ways to ask for help. Another good reason for this method is that once you hit send, you can’t talk yourself out of it. For this reason, writing an email is our #1 choice. Whether you decide to send it is up to you.
Find a Support Group and Ask
Whether it is a website, chat room, in-person group, or any other form of group therapy, asking for help during a share has tremendous positives. First, you’re surrounded by people that are there for the same reason, you won’t feel alone. Another reason is that there are people there that can support you immediately — no uncomfortable waiting. It’s up to you where you go after the group meeting, but asking for help at a support group will give you the support and confidence to take the next step.
If you’re not already in a support group, we highly recommend finding one for your particular addiction and starting the process of peer group therapy. Finding others that are going through the same process as you, even when they may be on different steps of the path, can be one of the best healing methods for substance abuse.
Asking For Help From Substance Abuse Professionals
One of the least thought of methods is also one of the best; asking for help from the very people who are trained to proceed effectively when asked. If you have been struggling with drug or alcohol addiction, asking for help directly from a professional can help answer your questions, like “What Now?” Nothing much will surprise or bother a professional, so you are going to be in a completely safe space in the following programs:
Residential Treatment
Residential treatment is a type of inpatient care provided to individuals struggling with substance abuse. It offers 24-hour medical supervision, enabling clients to live and receive therapy within a safe, structured environment. Residential programs provide comprehensive treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each client.
Partial Hospitalization Program
Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) are intensive outpatient programs that provide structure and support for individuals recovering from substance use disorder. PHPs offer individual counseling, group therapy, educational lectures, and other interventions. All of these are designed to help individuals understand the root causes of their addiction, develop healthier coping strategies, and build strong recovery skills.
Intensive Outpatient Program
An intensive outpatient program is designed to help people with substance abuse or mental health issues. It typically involves attending scheduled sessions at an outpatient facility, usually several days per week and often for several hours per day. These programs are designed to provide structure, support, and guidance while also allowing patients to maintain their daily routines.
Have a Heart-to-Heart With Friends and Family
Talking with a friend or family member can be a gamble. However, deep down, most people know who to trust and who they can turn to when they hit rock bottom. It won’t matter if they are experts or if they are going through the same thing; the only thing that will matter is that they will be there for you and listen to what you have to say. Sometimes, this is all that matters. Someone to hear you when you’re ready to get better.
If you’re interested in drug detox or want to ask for help, Crestview Recovery is here for you. Come by during our office hours or call us at 866.262.0531 to ask our drug rehab center any questions you may have about our programs or how to just take the first step — asking for help. We have years of experience and will treat you with the care and respect that you deserve.

Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.