Crisis and Emergency Resources
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger from an opioid overdose, call 911. The following resources provide urgent support for people in crisis.
SAMHSA National Helpline
1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP)
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. This free, confidential service provides information and referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community organizations. Available in English and Spanish. Learn more at the SAMHSA helpline page, or use the treatment locator at FindTreatment.gov.
988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
For anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or a mental health crisis. The 988 Lifeline connects callers with trained crisis counselors 24/7. People struggling with substance use disorders often experience co-occurring depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation, making this resource critically important. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers additional guidance on dual diagnosis and co-occurring conditions.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
A free, 24/7 text-based crisis service. Useful for people who are uncomfortable speaking on the phone or who need discreet access to support.
Never Use Alone
1-800-484-3731
A harm reduction hotline for people who use drugs alone. A trained operator stays on the line while the caller uses substances. If the caller becomes unresponsive, the operator dispatches emergency services to the caller's location. This service has prevented thousands of overdose deaths.
Poison Control
1-800-222-1222
For suspected overdoses or accidental exposures. Poison control specialists can provide immediate guidance on what to do while waiting for emergency services.
Finding Treatment
Locating the right treatment program can feel overwhelming. For a broader overview of what types of care exist, see our opiate and opioid treatment options guide. The tools and directories below simplify the search process.
SAMHSA Treatment Locator
FindTreatment.gov is the most comprehensive, publicly maintained directory of substance use treatment facilities in the United States. For help evaluating treatment program quality, Shatterproof's ATLAS provides independent ratings of addiction treatment facilities based on science-based care standards. You can filter by location, type of treatment, payment options, and specific services offered. The database includes over 13,000 facilities.
Buprenorphine Provider Locator
Following the elimination of the X-waiver requirement in 2023, any DEA-registered practitioner with a standard Schedule III prescribing authority can prescribe buprenorphine for opioid use disorder. Your primary care physician, urgent care provider, or local community health center may be able to initiate treatment.
NAADAC Provider Directory
The National Association for Addiction Professionals maintains a directory of certified addiction counselors, therapists, and clinical supervisors at naadac.org.
State-Specific Resources
Every state has a Single State Authority (SSA) for substance abuse services. These agencies administer federal block grant funding and can direct individuals to publicly funded treatment options. Contact your state's department of health or behavioral health for information.
Support Groups and Peer Recovery
Sustained recovery is supported by ongoing connection with others who understand the experience. Multiple peer support models exist, and finding the right fit is a personal decision.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
NA follows a 12-step model adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous. Meetings are free, confidential, and available worldwide. NA does not endorse or oppose medication-assisted treatment, though individual meetings may vary in their attitudes. Find meetings at na.org.
SMART Recovery
SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is a science-based alternative to 12-step programs. It uses cognitive behavioral techniques and focuses on self-empowerment. SMART offers in-person and online meetings and has no spiritual component. Learn more at smartrecovery.org.
Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous (MARA)
MARA is a 12-step program specifically designed for people on medication-assisted treatment for opioid dependence. It addresses the stigma that people on MAT sometimes face in traditional recovery groups. More information at mfrn.org.
Refuge Recovery / Recovery Dharma
Buddhist-inspired recovery programs that use mindfulness meditation and the teachings of the Buddha as a framework for recovery. These programs are non-theistic and emphasize present-moment awareness and compassion. Available both in person and online.
In the Rooms
intherooms.com offers free online recovery meetings in multiple formats, including 12-step, SMART, Refuge Recovery, and others. It is particularly useful for people in rural areas, those with mobility limitations, or anyone who prefers virtual meetings.
Financial Assistance for Treatment
The cost of treatment should not prevent anyone from getting help. Multiple programs exist to reduce or eliminate financial barriers.
Medicaid
Medicaid covers substance use treatment, including medication-assisted treatment, in all states. Eligibility varies by state, and Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act has significantly broadened access. Many states now cover all three FDA-approved MAT medications.
Medicare
Medicare Part B covers outpatient substance abuse treatment, and Medicare Part D covers prescription medications including buprenorphine and naltrexone. Methadone maintenance was added to Medicare coverage in 2020.
SAMHSA Block Grant Programs
The Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant provides federal funding to states for substance use treatment services. These funds support free or reduced-cost treatment at community-based organizations and health centers.
Manufacturer Assistance Programs
- Indivior (Suboxone/Sublocade) offers patient assistance for qualifying individuals
- Alkermes (Vivitrol) provides a copay assistance program and patient assistance for uninsured individuals
- Generic buprenorphine manufacturers often offer discount programs through GoodRx or similar platforms
Sliding Scale and Free Clinics
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are required to provide services regardless of ability to pay, using a sliding fee scale based on income. Many FQHCs now offer MAT services. Find your nearest health center at findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov.
Online Communities and Education
The internet provides valuable resources for education, connection, and support, though information quality varies. These sources are generally reliable.
Reddit Communities
- r/OpiatesRecovery - a supportive community for people at all stages of recovery
- r/Methadone - focused discussion for people on methadone maintenance
- r/suboxone - community for people using buprenorphine products
These communities provide peer support but should not replace professional medical advice.
NIDA (National Institute on Drug Abuse)
nida.nih.gov provides research-based information on opioid use disorder, treatment options, and the science of addiction. Their resources are free, science-based, and regularly updated.
CDC Opioid Resources
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention maintains data, guidelines, and educational materials related to the opioid crisis at cdc.gov/opioids.
For Families and Loved Ones
Opioid addiction affects entire families, and the rise of fentanyl in the drug supply has made the stakes even higher. These resources provide support for those close to someone struggling with opioid use disorder.
Nar-Anon Family Groups
Nar-Anon is a 12-step program for family members and friends of people with substance use disorders. Meetings provide a space to share experiences, learn coping strategies, and build a support network. Find meetings at nar-anon.org.
Partnership to End Addiction
drugfree.org offers a free helpline (1-855-378-4373) staffed by trained specialists who provide guidance to parents and caregivers. They also offer text-based support and an online community.
Learn to Cope
learn2cope.org is a peer-led support network for families dealing with addiction, offering meetings, educational resources, and naloxone training.