Built by someone
in the field
Not Alone In This is a free, independent resource for anyone navigating addiction and recovery whether that's you, or someone you love. No ads, no affiliates, no agenda. Just clear information from someone who works in this space every day.
Why this site exists
When people are in crisis or quietly wondering if they have a problem they turn to Google. What they find is usually a wall of treatment center ads, jargon-heavy clinical language, or hotline lists with no explanation of what actually happens when you call.
Not Alone In This was built to fill that gap. Every resource on this site is explained in plain language. Every page is written for a real person who is scared, confused, or just starting to ask questions not for someone who already knows what "PHP" or "MAT" or "co-occurring disorder" means.
The site is completely free, has no advertising, and does not earn referral fees from any treatment center. It exists because good information accessible, honest, and judgment-free saves lives.
Plain language
No acronyms without explanation. No clinical jargon. If it needs a glossary entry, it gets one.
No financial conflicts
Zero ads. Zero affiliate links. Zero referral payments from treatment centers. Ever.
Evidence-informed
Resources reflect current research and clinical best practices, not stigma or outdated thinking.
Locally grounded
Special attention to Cook County and Chicago-area resources, because local matters.
Who's behind this
This site was created and is maintained by a behavioral health professional based in the Chicago area with direct clinical experience across multiple levels of addiction treatment care.
Currently working as a Spravato (esketamine) Administration Specialist at a behavioral health clinic in the Chicago suburbs and pursuing a Master of Health Science (MHS) in Addictions Studies with a focus on evidence-based treatment and post-discharge support systems.
Prior experience includes working as a Behavioral Health Technician in residential substance use disorder treatment as well as partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) settings the full continuum of care that most people navigate when they enter treatment.
The long-term goal is to become a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) specializing in addictions, bringing together prescribing authority, therapy, and deep knowledge of the recovery process into integrated, whole-person care.
What this site is and isn't
Not Alone In This is an informational resource. It is not a treatment provider, a crisis line, or a substitute for professional care. Nothing on this site constitutes medical or clinical advice.
What it is: a plain-language guide to the landscape of addiction and recovery the options available, what they mean, what to expect, and where to go for real help. Think of it as a knowledgeable friend who works in the field and can walk you through your options before you make a call.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, please call 988 or the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-4357. Both are free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Ready to find help?
Browse the resource directory or start with our plain-language guide to your options.