If you need immediate help, call/text 988 for mental health or 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for substance use support.

Find Help & Resources

Find the right help, right now.

Plain-language guidance from Rutgers experts. Whether you’re a parent, seeking help now, or supporting recovery, start here.

Choose your path

Parents & Caregivers
Prevention

School-ready toolkits, speaking requests, and evidence-based prevention resources.

Explore →

I Need Help / Helping Someone Now
Treatment & Crisis

Find treatment, talk to someone 24/7, and learn the warning signs.

Explore →

Recovery & Advocates
Staying Well, Taking Action

Peer support, relapse prevention, and how to advocate for change.

Explore →


What to do next

  1. Start with a quick safety check

    If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. Otherwise, consider calling 988 for 24/7 support.

    Call 988

  2. Find treatment options

    Use trusted directories to locate evidence-based care near you.

    Search treatment

  3. Prepare for the first appointment

    Bring questions about medications, therapy types, and support options.

    Download checklist (PDF)

Services near you

Switch between NJ-specific and national resources. Your choice persists across the hub.

Partner spotlight

Partnership to End Addiction
Prevention & family support

Free, confidential support for families and practical guidance to prevent substance use.

Learn more

Shatterproof
Treatment navigation

Tools to compare treatment quality and navigate recovery with confidence.

Learn more

NJ & US data at a glance

Explore key indicators and link out to full dashboards.

Monthly overdose rate (demo)

Demo trend decreasing slightly over 12 months.
Fast facts
  • Naloxone saves lives. Many NJ pharmacies provide it without a prescription.
  • Medication for opioid use disorder reduces overdose risk and supports recovery.
  • 988 offers 24/7 mental health support by phone, text, or chat.

New from RARC

Recent discoveries – and what they mean for you.

GLP-1 medications & addiction riskWhat this means for you

Early findings suggest potential for reducing cravings; talk to your clinician about eligibility.

Read more →

Digital tools for youth preventionWhat this means for you

School-ready modules can boost engagement; explore our pilot curricula.

Read more →

Cannabis & cognition in adolescentsWhat this means for you

Delaying use lowers risk for learning and memory problems.

Read more →

Parents & Caregivers (Prevention)

This page helps you start prevention early, partner with your school, and find trusted guidance you can use today.

I Need Help / Helping Someone Now (Treatment & Crisis)

This page helps you take action fast—find treatment, talk to someone now, and learn what to do next.

Recovery & Advocates (Staying Well, Taking Action)

This page helps you stay well, connect with peers, and use your voice to drive change.

FAQs

How do I know if someone needs help?
Look for changes in mood, sleep, social withdrawal, or risky use. If unsure, call 988.
What is evidence-based treatment?
Treatments tested in research, like CBT, contingency management, and medications for opioid use disorder.
How can schools partner with RARC?
Request speakers, curricula pilots, or data-informed prevention planning.
Is recovery possible?
Yes. Many people recover with the right mix of support, treatment, and time.
How do I find low-cost care?
Use state directories, sliding-scale clinics, and telehealth options.
How can I help a loved one?
Stay compassionate, set boundaries, and encourage professional help.