According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), it’s important for individuals to recognize the signs of substance abuse and seek help when needed. SAMHSA offers a 24/7 helpline for individuals and families facing mental health and substance abuse issues. The helpline provides confidential support and referrals to treatment facilities in your area. You can contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
In addition to seeking professional help, there are also community resources available for individuals struggling with substance abuse. Mutual aid groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA), offer support meetings and resources for individuals in recovery. These groups provide a sense of community and understanding for individuals facing similar struggles.
Substance abuse helplines and resources:
- The SAMHSA National Helpline provides 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA) is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. NA is a 12-step program that helps individuals recover from their addiction. Find a meeting near you on their website.
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is an international fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. AA meetings provide a supportive environment for individuals to share their experiences and receive support from others in recovery. Find a meeting near you on their website.
It’s important to remember that recovery is a journey, and it’s okay to seek help and support along the way. Substance abuse is a serious issue that can have long-term consequences if left untreated. By reaching out for help and utilizing available resources, individuals can take steps towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Fraud and scams
In the aftermath of a disaster, it’s important to be vigilant against fraud and scams that target vulnerable individuals and communities. Scammers often prey on disaster survivors, offering fake assistance or services in exchange for money or personal information. These scams can result in financial loss and identity theft, adding to the challenges already faced by those recovering from a disaster.
To protect yourself from fraud and scams, it’s important to be cautious and skeptical of unsolicited offers or requests for personal information. Be wary of individuals or organizations that pressure you to make quick decisions or provide payment upfront. Additionally, be cautious of online scams, such as phishing emails or fake websites that mimic legitimate organizations.
If you suspect that you have been targeted by a scam or fraudulent activity, report it to the appropriate authorities immediately. You can contact your local law enforcement agency, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), or the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to report fraudulent activity and seek assistance.
By staying informed and vigilant, you can protect yourself and your community from falling victim to fraud and scams during the recovery process. Remember that legitimate organizations will not ask for payment or personal information without verifying their credentials, and it’s always better to err on the side of caution when dealing with unfamiliar individuals or offers.
Preparing for the next disaster
While recovering from a disaster is a challenging and often lengthy process, it’s also important to prepare for the possibility of future disasters. By taking proactive steps to prepare your community and yourself, you can mitigate the impact of future disasters and ensure a more resilient recovery process.
Some key steps to prepare for the next disaster include:
- Developing a community emergency response plan that outlines roles and responsibilities during a disaster.
- Creating a communication plan to ensure that information is disseminated effectively to community members before, during, and after a disaster.
- Identifying vulnerable populations in your community and developing strategies to support their needs during a disaster.
- Investing in infrastructure improvements and hazard mitigation measures to reduce the risk of damage and loss during a disaster.
- Participating in training and exercises to build community resilience and preparedness for disasters.
By taking these proactive steps, you can help your community become more resilient and better prepared to respond to and recover from future disasters. Preparation is key to reducing the impact of disasters and ensuring the safety and well-being of your community members.
Federal assistance programs you may be eligible for
In the aftermath of a disaster, there are a variety of federal assistance programs available to individuals and communities that have been impacted. These programs provide financial assistance, housing support, and other resources to help individuals and communities recover and rebuild.
Some key federal assistance programs that you may be eligible for include:
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides disaster assistance to individuals and families who have been affected by a federally declared disaster. This assistance can include temporary housing, home repairs, and other disaster-related expenses.
- The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, and businesses to help them recover from a disaster. These loans can be used to repair or replace damaged property, inventory, and equipment.
- The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides disaster recovery assistance through its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. These funds can be used for a variety of purposes, including housing rehabilitation, infrastructure improvements, and economic development.
- The Department of Agriculture (USDA) offers disaster assistance programs for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities affected by natural disasters. These programs provide financial assistance, technical support, and resources to help agricultural producers recover and rebuild.
To determine your eligibility for federal assistance programs, you can visit the FEMA website or contact your local emergency management agency. It’s important to apply for assistance as soon as possible to ensure that you receive the support you need to recover from a disaster.
How to track disaster spending in your community
Transparency and accountability are important aspects of disaster recovery, as they ensure that funds are being used effectively and efficiently to support the needs of disaster-affected communities. Tracking disaster spending in your community can help you hold officials and organizations accountable for their actions and ensure that resources are being allocated appropriately.
Some key steps to track disaster spending in your community include:
- Requesting information from local government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and federal agencies about their disaster spending and recovery efforts.
- Reviewing financial reports, budget documents, and other public records to understand how funds are being allocated and used in your community.
- Participating in community meetings, public hearings, and other forums to voice your concerns and ask questions about disaster spending and recovery efforts.
- Collaborating with other community members, advocacy groups, and watchdog organizations to monitor and evaluate disaster spending and recovery efforts.
By actively tracking disaster spending in your community, you can help ensure that funds are being used responsibly and effectively to support the needs of disaster-affected individuals and communities. Transparency and accountability are essential components of a successful disaster recovery process, and by staying informed and engaged, you can help promote a more equitable and efficient recovery for all.
Questions to ask about long-term recovery
As you navigate the long-term recovery process, it’s important to ask questions and seek information to ensure that you are informed and engaged in the recovery efforts. By asking the right questions, you can better understand the recovery process, advocate for your needs, and hold officials and organizations accountable for their actions.
Some key questions to ask about long-term recovery include:
- What resources and assistance programs are available to help me recover from the disaster?
- How can I access financial assistance, housing support, and other resources to rebuild and recover?
- What steps can I take to prepare for future disasters and mitigate the impact on my community?
- How can I get involved in community recovery efforts and support my neighbors and fellow community members?
- Who can I contact for information and assistance with disaster recovery and long-term recovery efforts in my community?
By asking these questions and seeking information, you can empower yourself to take an active role in the long-term recovery process and ensure that your needs are being met. Remember that recovery is a collaborative effort that requires the involvement of individuals, communities, and organizations working together to rebuild and recover from a disaster.
Recovery resources
In addition to the resources and information provided in this article, there are many organizations and agencies that offer support and assistance for individuals and communities recovering from disasters. These resources can help you navigate the recovery process, access financial assistance, find mental health support, and prepare for future disasters.
Some key recovery resources include:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Provides disaster assistance to individuals and communities affected by disasters.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Offers support and resources for individuals facing mental health and substance abuse issues.
- American Red Cross: Provides disaster relief and recovery services, including mental health support and financial assistance.
- National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD): Offers guidance and resources for long-term recovery and community support following disasters.
- Food and Drug Administration (FDA): Provides information and resources for food safety and emergency preparedness during disasters.
By utilizing these recovery resources and seeking support from trusted organizations and agencies, you can navigate the challenges of disaster recovery and rebuild your life and community. Remember that recovery is a journey that takes time and effort, but with the right resources and support, you can overcome the challenges and build a more resilient future.
By staying informed and involved in the recovery process, you can help ensure that funding is being used effectively and that the community is getting the support it needs to rebuild and recover from the disaster.
Staying informed and actively participating in local government meetings is essential to ensuring that taxpayer money is being spent on the right priorities. By attending these meetings and asking pertinent questions, you can stay updated on how funds are being allocated and make sure that the community’s needs are being met.
An excellent example of this proactive approach is the work done by residents of Lake Charles, Louisiana, who were hired by Southerly to take notes at meetings and analyze patterns in spending after Hurricane Laura. By closely monitoring government contracts and expenditures, they were able to identify where the money was going and advocate for the most pressing issues in their community.
Tracking the companies that governments contract with for cleanup and repair services is also crucial. For instance, the Kentucky Center for Investigative Reporting highlighted complaints against a debris cleanup company accused of unethical practices after a flood in 2022. Despite these issues, the city of Louisville still hired the same company for cleanup efforts in 2025, underscoring the importance of holding contractors accountable.
Additionally, keeping an eye on how federal and state funding is being distributed for home repairs and housing assistance is vital. By documenting your own experiences and those of your neighbors, you can advocate for fair and transparent processes that prioritize the needs of affected individuals and families.
Understanding the data provided by FEMA, such as monthly reports on the Disaster Relief Fund and detailed applicant-level information, can also shed light on how funds are being utilized. Organizations like the Ohio River Valley Institute have used this data to track housing rebuild funding after disasters, highlighting the importance of transparency and accountability in recovery efforts.
As the community moves towards long-term recovery, it’s essential to ask critical questions about the resilience of rebuilt infrastructure, economic development initiatives, and measures to prevent price gouging and fraud. By staying informed and engaging with local officials, you can ensure that recovery efforts are effective, equitable, and sustainable.
Recovery is a collaborative process, and sharing resources and experiences with others who have gone through similar challenges can be invaluable. Grist encourages individuals to contribute to their recovery resource database and share workshops, toolkits, and stories that have been helpful in the aftermath of disasters.
By staying informed, asking questions, and actively participating in the recovery process, individuals can play a vital role in shaping a resilient and inclusive community response to disasters. The impact of social media on mental health has been a topic of much debate in recent years. With the rise of platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter, the way we interact with others and consume information has drastically changed. While social media has many benefits, such as connecting us with friends and family across the globe and providing a platform for self-expression, it also has negative effects on mental health.
One of the main ways that social media can impact mental health is through comparison. When scrolling through our feeds, we are constantly bombarded with images of seemingly perfect lives, curated by individuals to show only the best parts. This can lead to feelings of inadequacy and low self-esteem as we compare ourselves to others. Research has shown that spending too much time on social media can be linked to increased feelings of depression and anxiety.
Another way that social media can negatively impact mental health is through cyberbullying. With the anonymity that the internet provides, individuals may feel emboldened to bully others online. This can have serious consequences for the mental health of the victim, leading to feelings of isolation, shame, and even thoughts of self-harm.
Additionally, the constant connectivity that social media provides can lead to feelings of FOMO, or fear of missing out. Seeing friends and acquaintances posting about their social events and outings can make us feel left out or lonely, even if we are not actually missing out on anything important.
However, it is important to note that social media is not inherently bad for mental health. When used mindfully and in moderation, social media can be a positive tool for connecting with others and sharing our experiences. It is crucial to be aware of how social media affects our mental health and to take steps to protect ourselves from its negative effects.
One way to mitigate the impact of social media on mental health is to limit our screen time and take breaks from social media when needed. Setting boundaries around our social media use can help prevent feelings of comparison and FOMO. Additionally, it is important to curate our feeds to include content that is uplifting and positive, rather than triggering or harmful.
Overall, while social media can have negative effects on mental health, it is possible to use it in a way that promotes well-being. By being mindful of our social media use and taking steps to protect our mental health, we can enjoy the benefits of social media while minimizing its negative impact.
