Looking for the best drug addiction charities? Our justice and health systems have been set up to limit access and shame those with the disease, but nonprofits are working to fight the stigma. Here is our list of the 10 best drug addiction charities creating huge impact with their work.
Drug addiction is one of the most common and misunderstood reasons for death in the United States. Addiction affects everyone equally, whether you’re a man, woman, or child.
Our justice and health systems have been set up to limit access and shame those with this disease. However, nonprofit organizations are working to fight the stigma and create a world where anyone can receive the help they need. Here’s our pick of the 10 best drug addiction charities creating huge impact with their work.
The following 10 drug addiction charities were chosen from thousands of organizations offering similar services. They stand out for their research work, impact, outreach programs, and rehabilitation efforts. Thanks to them, many more receive treatment and access to resources than before.
Mission statement: “To provide support to overcoming the addiction epidemic in the U.S.”
SAFE Project is transparent about its core beliefs on drug addiction and its treatment. They strongly endorse the fact that addiction is a disease and that there are no simple solutions. However, keeping the following values in mind will help in the long term –
This nonprofit works with college campuses, communities, corporations, and veterans groups by providing information and links to resources nationwide.
Safe Project started the national #NoShameMovement to combat the stigma that’s so common and stops many from seeking life-saving treatment. Anyone can support this organization’s campaign and will receive a printable certificate. Safe Project also collects online donations.
Mission statement: “To offer people a single source of relatable, reliable information at any stage of their recovery journey.”
Start Your Recovery works to educate those dealing with substance use, their friends, and their family. They do this by bringing together clinicians and experts to create a single source of relatable, reliable information for all stages of recovery.
Their website provides information about how each substance can affect your body, signs of abuse, treatment, and recovery options for those wanting help and those currently in recovery.
Start Your Recovery is an LLC that raises funds by selling advertising and premium listing products. The website includes different sections to cover possible substances, signs of addiction, who needs help, recovery plans, therapy, prevention of overdose, rehab, and more.
Mission statement: “We support the process of recovery from substance abuse and addiction.”
After completing treatment, many individuals suffering from addiction are expected to return to their old lives. New Directions Addiction Recovery Services stepped in to provide continued service for those in danger of using again after release.
This organization has an affordable 90-day recovery residence in Woodstock, IL, and sober homes for men and women in Crystal Lake, IL. Case managers help residents living in these homes find jobs, get a driver’s license, pay outstanding court fees, and more.
The standout feature of this organization is its sober bar, The Other Side. The Other Side provides non-alcoholic drinks, food, and entertainment for all in the community to enjoy.
New Directions follows four principles: accessibility, sustainability, community support, and a consistent message.
By focusing on accessibility for everyone, and less reliance on government and external funders, this organization has developed programs to create a foundation of understanding, community, and support for those in recovery.
Those wishing to support New Directions can donate online on their website.
Mission statement: “Providing help, hope, and lasting recovery to children, youth, adolescents, adults, and families.”
Rosecrance Foundation provides treatment in locations across Illinois, Wisconsin, and Iowa. The organization prides itself on giving evidence-based treatment for substance abuse and mental health disorders by skilled professionals.
Family involvement is a primary focus of this organization. Families are encouraged to participate in educational activities and regular visits with those in recovery.
The success of their programs is shown in statistics shared on their website –
Those who’ve lost a loved one to addiction can support Rosecrance with a memorial or commemorative brick. In exchange for your financial donation, an engraved brick is installed in the garden at Roscrance’s Harrison Campus.
Mission statement: “Fighting for people sentenced to life in federal prison for drugs.”
The Decarceration Collective is a woman-powered law office fighting the system created to imprison thousands of Black men yearly. Consultants with the organization regularly meet with Congress members and address unjust drug laws across the country.
Since difficulties for those suffering from addiction don’t end after incarceration, the nonprofit also advocates for access to housing, education, jobs, and mental health services.
The Decarceration Collective’s website does an excellent job sharing real-life stories from those imprisoned and the judges forced to hand down these sentences because of unfair laws.
Those passionate about prison reform can join this drug addiction charity in the fight against unfair drug laws that primarily affect minorities. You can donate online on their website.
Mission statement: “Providing short-term and long-term Residential, Intensive Outpatient (IOP), and Outpatient (OP) substance use disorder treatment for men and women.”
The story of Isaiah House starts with a young man dealing with severe addictions and mental health until faith and coincidence walked into his life. The first Isaiah House opened in Connecticut to harassment from neighbors and court cases and eventually closed its doors.
In 2001, another Isaiah House opened in Kentucky, and after years of financial struggle, they were able to home and provide substance abuse and mental health care for hundreds of men and women.
Today, there are 7 Isaiah Houses and 3 outpatient centers based in Kentucky. By 2021, Isaiah House had provided treatment for 2,796 residents in 112 of the state’s 120 counties.
Isaiah House has also become a leader in second-chance employment and education for those in recovery. Thanks to grant funding, their Kentucky Recovery Career Network and Reliance Works Employment & Recovery Project are helping introduce people to new lives.
Isaiah House has donation, volunteer, and career opportunities on its website. Their Life Savers Club lets supporters give monthly donations to help pay for treatment and supportive services.
Mission statement: “Changing the way addiction and recovery are understood and embraced through advocacy, education, and leadership.”
Faces & Voices of Recovery organizes and mobilizes over 23 million Americans to promote the right to recovery. The focus of this organization’s work is advocacy and education.
Their programs include –
Through this nonprofit’s advocacy work, two critical programs under the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) received increased funds. They continue to work with SAMHSA to mandate funds for recovery.
Those looking to act in support of Faces & Voices of Recovery can share their story, join an affiliate group, become a member, donate, and volunteer.
Mission statement: “Our mission is to prevent addiction and drug-related deaths through education and awareness. We achieve this through outreach to all sectors, from school classrooms and college campuses to the community at large.”
Drug Awareness Foundation believes that awareness is the first step toward prevention – and that prevention is the key to a brighter future with fewer people addicted to drugs. Founded by two grieving parents who lost their 19-year-old son to an opioid overdose, this organization educates schools and other parents about the dangers of street drugs.
They have many resources on their website, including some crucial information about Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a synthetic drug originally created to treat pain. It’s highly dangerous due to the small amount required for an overdose.
In addition to their resources about this drug, they also share tips to save lives, including some ways drug users can reduce their overdose risk.
Drug Awareness Foundation uses Donorbox to raise money for their important work. You can donate to their cause here.
Mission statement: “Dedicated to reversing the addiction crisis in the United States.”
Shatterproof started with a father’s grief after losing his son to addiction. A primary goal of this drug addiction charity is to change the health care system and transform addiction treatment.
Their National Principles of Care improve outcomes for individuals with a substance abuse disorder. They have helped encourage 23 health insurance companies to adopt the following methods:
Shatterproof fights the stigma of addiction with a thorough education on the types of stigma, how stigma is making the opioid crisis worse, and how you can help.
Shatterproof makes it easy to give online on their website.
Mission statement: “Providing funding to non-profit charitable substance abuse facilities, offering treatment or housing grants for those in need, and bringing substance abuse awareness to the community.”
Like many others, this nonprofit started to memorialize a lost loved one. Daniel Copersino was a young man who was addicted to heroin but fought to get clean and live a healthy and active life.
Daniel Copersino Foundation continues Daniel’s work with those suffering from addiction. They provide grants to nonprofit substance abuse facilities and organizations. They also offer one-on-one support for anyone needing access to detox, short or long-term treatment, sober housing, or a support group.
This charity makes it easy for you to donate online using the Donorbox form on their website.
The drug addiction charities listed in this article stand out for various reasons—some for their unique take on a critical issue, others for their passionate response.
If you’re interested in learning more about nonprofits taking up these fights, along with fundraising tips and resources, check out our Nonprofit Blog. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the best collection of Donorbox resources in your inbox every month.
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Kristine Ensor is a freelance writer with over a decade of experience working with local and international nonprofits. As a nonprofit professional she has specialized in fundraising, marketing, event planning, volunteer management, and board development.
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Kristine Ensor