Reviewed by: Patience Itson
How one free app is breaking down barriers to finding local substance use help
Reading time: 4 minutes
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People who struggle with substance use often face stigmas, judgment and bias that make seeking out treatment intimidating. We spoke to Debbi Metzger, State Opioid Coordinator for the Alabama Department of Mental Health, to learn more about the barriers people face when asking for help and how one local app, Connect Alabama, is breaking them down.
Eliminating the discomfort of asking for help
Connect Alabama provides quick and easy help for anyone looking for treatment for themselves, a loved one, or are just seeking information on substance use and mental illness.
Debbi Metzger told us the value in this app comes from being able to seek help without the shame that often comes with it.
“It’s an opportunity for people to both seek out resources and learn without feeling the discomfort that can come from even just calling someone. It helps eliminate that complicated component of shame and embarrassment.”
Debbi Metzger, State Opioid Coordinator, Alabama Department of Mental Health
It’s also faster and more efficient than looking for help on your own. The app allows people to get in touch with a local resource and speak to a real person promptly.
Mental health illnesses are the same as any other illness
Over time, people with mental health illnesses’ bodies respond to their use and suffer like they would from any other illness. Yet, seeking treatment for mental health problems is still so intimidating.
“These people are just as entitled to the need of treatment as anyone with any type of illness. People who experience substance use disorder are often blamed or shamed, or looked at as if this is a result of their choices, rather than their condition. When they seek services, they’re often wrongly judged. These things make seeking help less likely to occur.
This app offers a safe way for people to reach out for help.”
Debbi Metzger, State Opioid Coordinator, Alabama Department of Mental Health
These barriers are exactly what Connect Alabama is looking to eliminate.
“This is the tool of our present. Phones are such a part of everyone’s lives. We’re conditioned to needing tools and information quickly and that’s what this app does. In this day of overdose and its prevalence, we need those resources very fast.”
Debbi Metzger, State Opioid Coordinator, Alabama Department of Mental Health
It’s much less scary to open up an app as an anonymous user—even if it’s just to learn more about what you’re suffering from or what kind of resources are available.
Download Connect Alabama to see for yourself.
Connect Alabama is being used by providers all over the state
In addition to seeking treatment for themselves, Debbi says the app is being used by providers, school officials, resource officers and even in human resource departments across Alabama.
“Professionals across the field are using the app daily. They are at the forefront of a lot of our crisis calls, so they have that app readily available to find resources no matter where calls may be coming in from across the state.
Providers don’t have to pull through a bunch of resources, they have it all right there in their hands. They can see who the providers are in our state that offer certain types and levels of care.”
Debbi Metzger, State Opioid Coordinator, Alabama Department of Mental Health
To find treatment and access information about treatment services, download the Connect Alabama app today.
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