Library

Guides, help lines, and resources

Everything here is either written by us against primary clinical sources, or it's a free, legitimate, government-run or federally supported service. Nothing on this page sells placements.

Educational guides

The cornerstone guides below are live now. Under each topic you'll also see what we're writing next — those pieces publish only when they're substantial enough to be worth your time, and appear here the day they do.

AlcoholCornerstone guide →

Can You Detox From Alcohol at Home?Coming
Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline: What to KnowComing
What Are the First Signs of Alcohol Withdrawal?Coming
When Does Alcohol Withdrawal Become an Emergency?Coming

BenzodiazepinesCornerstone guide →

Can You Detox From Xanax at Home?Coming
Benzodiazepine Withdrawal: Why Stopping Suddenly Can Be DangerousComing

OpioidsCornerstone guide →

Opioid Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline and TreatmentComing

FentanylCornerstone guide →

Fentanyl Withdrawal: What to ExpectComing

Other & multiple substancesCornerstone guide →

What Happens When Someone Is Using More Than One Substance?Coming

The detox processCornerstone guide →

What Happens After Detox?Coming
Detox vs Rehab: What Is the Difference?Coming
Inpatient vs Outpatient DetoxComing
What Should You Bring to Detox?Coming
Can Your Family Visit During Detox?Coming

Choosing a programCornerstone guide →

How Do You Choose a Detox Program?Coming
Questions to Ask Before Entering DetoxComing

Insurance & costCornerstone guide →

Does Medicaid Cover Detox in New Jersey?Coming
Does Medicare Cover Detox?Coming

For familiesMain guide →

How Families Can Help Someone Enter DetoxComing
What If Someone Refuses Detox?Coming

Help lines that are actually free

911 — Emergencies
Immediate medical danger, suspected overdose, or someone who can't be woken: call 911 first.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988. Free, confidential, 24/7 support for mental health crises and suicidal thoughts.
988lifeline.org
SAMHSA National Helpline — 1-800-662-4357
Free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information from the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
ReachNJ — 1-844-732-2465
New Jersey's state-run addiction help line, answered around the clock. Helps residents find treatment regardless of insurance status.
www.reachnj.gov
FindTreatment.gov
SAMHSA's official locator for licensed treatment providers, searchable by location, payment type, and level of care.
findtreatment.gov
NJ Division of Mental Health and Addiction Services
The state agency overseeing addiction services in New Jersey, with directories of licensed providers and county resources.
www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas
Naloxone (Narcan) in New Jersey
Naloxone reverses opioid overdoses and is available at New Jersey pharmacies without an individual prescription. Any household where opioid use is happening should have it.
www.nj.gov/health/populationhealth/opioid

In an emergency

If someone is in immediate medical danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

For mental health crisis support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).