Massachusetts Drug Addiction Hotlines and Helpline

Addiction and Substance Use in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is in the northeastern region of the United States and is home to over 7 million people.¹ The state is known for its legendary sports teams, prestigious universities, and renowned hospitals.

Many people living in Massachusetts struggle with misuse of alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications. The following statistics show the percentage of people in Massachusetts who reported past-year substance use between 2017-2019:²

• 3% (171,000) reported misusing prescription pain relievers.
• 1% (59,000) reported a past-year opioid use disorder.
• 6% (369,000) reported a past-year alcohol use disorder.
• 9% (516,000) reported a past-year substance use disorder.

Unfortunately, an estimated 1,613 people in Massachusetts died of an opioid-related overdose in the first 9 months of 2021.³

How a MA Addiction Hotline May be Able to Help

Known as substance use disorder (SUD), addiction to drugs and alcohol can have a tremendous impact on individuals, families, and communities at large. If you or your loved one are struggling with addiction, help is available, and just a phone call or text away.

Theses hotlines offer free and confidential advice and support. When you call a national or Massachusetts addiction hotline, you’ll be connected to a trained representative who can offer advice, referrals to local resources, and support. Though these hotlines vary in what they offer, most provide guidance on a variety of addiction-related topics, including what addiction is, the effects of addiction, and how to get local help in Massachusetts.

When you call a Massachusetts substance abuse hotline, you can ask questions, request resources, and discuss any concerns weighing on your mind. Topics may include:

• Addiction information, including signs and symptoms.
• Physical and mental health effects of substance use and addiction.
• Local support groups (e.g., Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step groups).
• Community-based organizations that provide resources and treatment.
• Treatment options including residential addiction treatment and outpatient treatment.
• How to find a rehab facility near you.
• What to expect from addiction treatment.
• How to pay for addiction treatment (e.g., health insurance, private pay, financing).

When you call a national or Massachusetts addiction hotline, you can share your questions and concerns freely without fear of judgment. Hotlines are staffed by professional, supportive, and trained individuals who are prepared to provide information regarding addiction, treatment, local resources, and more.

List of Free Massachusetts Addiction Hotline Numbers

The following Massachusetts addiction hotline numbers can provide you with the support and assistance you need for anything related to addiction, substance use, and mental health crises.

In the case of an emergency, call 911. Addiction hotlines are not a substitute for calling emergency services for a situation that requires immediate assistance.

American Addiction Centers (AAC)

• American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of high-quality addiction treatment, including inpatient and outpatient rehab. AAC admissions navigators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your call and provide information about addiction treatment.

Boys Town National Hotline

• 1-800-448-3000 or text VOICE to 20121
• Boys Town has a national hotline available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Information, resources, and support on topics related to addiction and mental health are available when you call.

Bureau of Substance Addiction Services

• 617-624-5111
• The Massachusetts Bureau of Substance Addiction Services oversees prevention, intervention, treatment, and recovery support services throughout the state for individuals affected by addiction.

Drugfree.org

• 1-800-448-3000 or text CONNECT to 55753
• The Partnership to End Addiction hotline is a free service where you can get confidential support from caring and trained specialists. Text support is available 24/7, or you can make an appointment for a phone call to receive the guidance you need. Specialists are available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST or 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline

• 1-800-327-5050
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this helpline is a public, statewide resource for finding substance use treatment and recovery services. Caring, trained specialists will help you understand addiction treatments, your options, and provide confidential support.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 741741
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) provides free, confidential support, treatment referrals, and counseling for individuals and families affected by addiction and other mental health conditions. Available Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.

National Drug Helpline

• 1-844-289-0879
• Get private, confidential help, including referrals to Massachusetts addiction treatment centers, from trusted addiction specialists around the clock, any day of the week.

National Runaway Safeline

• 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)
• Find support and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness, runaway youth, and families in crisis at this 24/7 helpline.

National Suicide Prevention

• 1-800-273-8255
• If you or a loved one are in crisis, emotional distress, or experiencing suicidal ideation, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides free and confidential support and connections to resources 24/7.

Poison Control

• 1-800-222-1222
• This anonymous and free helpline is available to call if you or a loved one have been exposed to or swallowed a poisonous substance or if you took too much of a medicine or drug.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides information, support, and referrals to local resources for individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Can I Text an Helpline Number Instead of Calling?

If you are looking for more information about drug and alcohol addiction but aren’t ready to talk to someone on the phone, you can sign up for personalized text support with American Addiction Centers (AAC). You’ll receive 24/7 text support right now and at your convenience. Text support is 100% free and there is no obligation to enter rehab treatment. You can opt out at any time.

Are These Hotlines and Text Helplines Anonymous and Confidential?

Yes, addiction hotlines and text helplines are generally anonymous and confidential. You can call an addiction hotline in confidence that you can remain anonymous and everything you discuss will be kept confidential. When you call, you do not need to share personal information, such as your name, age, or location.

To confirm confidentiality and for peace of mind, you can ask the person on the phone about the organization’s privacy policy.

Preparing to Call 

Living with addiction can be an overwhelming experience. Calling a national or Massachusetts addiction hotline is a good first step. Before you call, it can be helpful to have a list of questions and topics to discuss. You may want to gather the following information:

• Your name, age, and location (you do not need to share this if asked; only if you are comfortable).
• History of drug and alcohol use.
• Current drug and alcohol use.
• Insurance coverage (if applicable).
• If you think you need detox services to safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol.
• Treatment options and how to start treatment.
• Questions you have related to addiction or treatment options.
• Questions about what happens in treatment.

Remember, you don’t have to share anything you don’t want to when you call a hotline. Everything will be kept confidential, and you can remain anonymous.

Should I Consider Rehab?

It can be challenging to know if your use of drugs or alcohol requires treatment. You may want to ask yourself some questions as you weigh your options:

• How often do I use drugs or alcohol?
• Am I using drugs or alcohol more often than I used to?
• Do I want to get sober? If so, have I tried on my own and struggled?
• Is my use of drugs or alcohol interfering with my daily life (e.g., school, work, relationships)?

It can also be helpful to read through the DSM-5 criteria for substance use disorders (SUDs). These criteria were developed based on years of clinical experience and addiction research. They can help you determine if you need rehab treatment for addiction. Keep in mind that a Massachusetts addiction hotline can help you understand the signs of SUD but can’t provide an official diagnosis.⁴

• Taking the substance in larger amounts or longer than you meant to.
• Wanting to stop using or cut down on use but unable to.
• Spending a significant amount of time getting, using, or recovering from the substance(s).
• Urges and cravings to use the substance.
• Work, home, and/or school life are affected by substance use.
• Continuing to use substances, even when it causes relationship problems.
• Giving up important activities (e.g., social, occupational, recreational) because of substance use.
• Using substances repeatedly, even if it puts you in danger.
• Needing more of the substance to get the effects you want (tolerance).
• Continued use of the substance(s) even if you have a physical or mental health condition that could be caused or worsened by the substance.
• Withdrawal symptoms when you stop taking the substance.

Seeking treatment for drug or alcohol addiction is one of the bravest things you can do. Treatment can help you break the cycle of addiction and live a life you want to live at home, work, school, and in your community. Research shows that individuals who go into treatment and stay throughout the recommended time make significant improvements to their health, work productivity, and more.⁵

Finding Treatment Near Me

If you’re looking for addiction treatment in Massachusetts, Rehabs.com is a subsidiary of American Addiction Centers (AAC) and offers a comprehensive directory of local rehab centers, as well as treatment facilities across the U.S. You can search by location, treatment type, and substances used to find the best rehab center for you.

If you’re looking to stay close to home, AdCare Hospital in Worcester, Massachusetts provides high-quality addiction care and treatment in a secure, supportive environment.

Does My Insurance Cover Treatment?

If you have health insurance, your plan may cover some, if not all, of the costs of drug and alcohol rehab. Exactly what is covered will depend on your specific health plan. To learn about your insurance coverage for addiction treatments, call the number on the back of your insurance card. You can also log in to the member portal on your provider’s website to read through your plan’s summary of benefits.

You don’t have to go through this alone. American Addiction Centers (AAC) has years of experience providing evidence-based treatments to individuals with substance use disorder. You can contact us 24/7 at to be connected with an admissions navigator who can verify your insurance, answer your questions, and provide information about addiction treatments at our high-quality facilities in Massachusetts.