Behavioral Health Resources

Free Substance Use Support Opportunities

This page highlights free substance use support resources for individuals and families. These options include crisis and urgent care access, peer-led recovery groups, family support programs, and community-based services.
Crisis Care and Access to Treatment

Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline
helplinema.org • 800-327-5050

Massachusetts Behavioral Health Helpline
masshelpline.com • 833-773-2445
Call or text 24/7 for urgent care evaluation, connection to services, and mobile crisis response.

Community Behavioral Health Centers
mass.gov/community-behavioral-health-centers
24/7 walk-in alternative to emergency department visits for mental health and substance use crisis and urgent care.

Support Groups
  • Alcoholics Anonymous – aaboston.org/meetings
  • SMART Recovery – smartne.org
  • Narcotics Anonymous – nerna.org
  • Marijuana Anonymous – newenglandma.org
Support for Families
  • Learn to Cope – learn2cope.org
  • Al-Anon and Alateen – al-anon.org
  • Nar-Anon Family Groups – nar-anon.org
Community Support

Many towns have behavioral health clinicians working with local police departments to support people experiencing mental health or substance use challenges. Services may include crisis intervention, referrals, NARCAN training, and NARCAN distribution. Contact your local police department for information.

Free Substance Use Support Opportunities

This page highlights free substance use support resources for individuals and families. The options below include crisis and urgent care access, peer-led recovery groups, family support programs, and community-based services. These resources aim to reduce barriers to care and support recovery, safety, and long-term wellness.

Crisis Care and Access to Treatment

Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline: helplinema.org
Statewide public resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services, 800-327-5050

MA Behavioral Health Helpline: masshelpline.com or 833-773-2445
Call or text 24/7 for urgent care evaluation, connection to clinical services, and mobile crisis response. Those concerned about someone who may need support are welcome to call.

Community Behavioral Health Centers (CBHCs):
mass.gov/community-behavioral-health-centers or 833-773-2445
24/7 walk-in alternative to emergency department visits for mental health and substance use crisis and urgent care. CBHCs in Waltham, Framingham, Lowell, and Leominster cover the Emerson Hospital service area. Check the link for location info.

Support Groups

Alcoholics Anonymous: aaboston.org/meetings
A fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem, 617-426-9444

Smart Recovery: smartne.org
Self-Management and Recovery Training (SMART) help resolving problems with any addiction

New England Region of Narcotics Anonymous: nerna.org
Recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean

Marijuana Anonymous of New England: newenglandma.org
Helping one another recover from marijuana addiction

Support Groups for Families Affected by Substance Use

Learn to Cope: learn2cope.org
Support network for family members coping with a loved one addicted to opiates or other drugs

Al-Anon and Alateen: al-anon.org
For families and friends of alcoholics

Nar-Anon Family Groups: nar-anon.org
12-Step program for family and friends of addicts

Community Support

Many towns now have behavioral health clinicians working alongside local police departments. They work to address the mental health and substance use needs of people coming into contact with law enforcement through crisis intervention and referrals to services. They also offer NARCAN training and distribution. Contact your local police department about their behavioral health clinician.

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