Getting Help
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7 call, text and chat access to trained crisis counselors who can help people experiencing suicidal, substance use, and/or mental health crisis, or any other kind of emotional distress. People can also dial 988 if they are worried about a loved one who may need crisis support.
In 2020, Congress designated the new 988 dialing code to be operated through the existing National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. This is an effort of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which is the agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that leads public health efforts to advance the behavioral health of the nation and to improve the lives of individuals living with mental and substance use disorders, and their families.
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Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline
The Massachusetts Overdose Prevention Helpline is a free and confidential service that connects people who are using drugs with a trained operator who can call for help in the case of an overdose. The helpline is staffed by a team of harm reductionists or people with lived and living experience with overdose.
Volunteer operators will ask you for your exact location and the phone number you are calling from before you use. If during the course of the call you stop responding, they’ll get you help through a predetermined responder or by notifying your local Emergency Medical Services.
Phone: 1(800)972-0590
Website: https://massoverdosehelpline.org/
Email: info@massoverdosehelpline.org
Never Use Alone National Overdose Prevention Lifeline
Never Use Alone is a free nationwide overdose prevention, detection, crisis response, and reversal lifeline service for people who use drugs while alone. An operator will stay on the phone with you while you use, only notifying emergency services if you are in need of assistance.
Never Use Alone’s peer-run call center operators are available 24-hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Meeting people where they are, on the other end of the line, one human connection at a time. No stigma. No judgment. Just love!
For English call: (800)484-3731
For Spanish call: (800)928-5330
Website: https://neverusealone.com/
Syringe Service Programs Locator (NASEN)
The North American Syringe Exchange Network (NASEN) helps locate centers and facilities that provide a range of services that include needle exchange programs, drug treatments, and health testing. Services vary by location.