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I need help with addiction

New Hampshire has one front door for substance use help — it's called The Doorway, and there's one within about an hour of anyone in the state. You can start today, whether you want treatment, medication, or just to talk to someone who's been there. Here's how.

Overdose or emergency right now?

Call 911immediately. New Hampshire's Good Samaritan law protects people who call for help during an overdose. For a substance use or mental health crisis, call or text NH Rapid Response at 833-710-6477 (24/7), or the NH Statewide Addiction Crisis Line at 1-844-711-4357.

What you can do right now

One call connects you to everything below.

  1. 1

    Start with The Doorway — dial 211

    Dial 211 (24/7) and ask for The Doorway, or go to thedoorway.nh.gov to find your nearest location. Every Doorway offers a free screening and connects you to treatment, medication, recovery support, and Narcan — no insurance needed to start.

  2. 2

    Ask about medication treatment (MAT)

    Medication like buprenorphine (Suboxone), methadone, or naltrexone (Vivitrol) is one of the most effective treatments for opioid use. The Doorway can connect you, and some primary care providers and clinics prescribe it directly. It's okay to ask for it by name.

  3. 3

    Connect with peer recovery support

    Recovery Community Organizations offer free, judgment-free help from people in recovery — coaching, meetings, and navigation. Examples: Hope for NH Recovery (Manchester), Revive Recovery (Nashua/Derry), SOS Recovery (Dover/Rochester/Exeter), and Navigating Recovery of the Lakes Region (Laconia).

  4. 4

    Get free Narcan (naloxone)

    Narcan reverses an opioid overdose and can save a life. It's free at any Doorway, and NH pharmacies can dispense it without a prescription. Keep it on hand if you or someone you love uses opioids.

How a case manager can help

If you're helping a client meet this need.

  • Make a warm handoff to the client's regional Doorway (via 211 or thedoorway.nh.gov) and, when possible, help them get to the screening the same day motivation is high.
  • Support access to MAT — connect to a Doorway or waivered prescriber, arrange transportation, and address barriers like ID or coverage that delay a first dose.
  • Start a Medicaid application so treatment and medication are covered; screen for retroactive Medicaid for recent care.
  • Link the client to a Recovery Community Organization and a recovery coach for between-appointment support, and to family/Al-Anon supports where relevant.
  • Put naloxone in the client's (and family's) hands and provide overdose-response and Good Samaritan-law education.
  • Coordinate co-occurring mental health care with the CMHC, and screen for housing, food, and income needs that threaten recovery.
  • Follow up after referrals — attrition is highest in the first days; a check-in call keeps people connected.

Who to call

The Doorway — dial 211

NH's front door for substance use help, 24/7. Screening, treatment, MAT, recovery support, and Narcan.

NH Statewide Addiction Crisis Line

1-844-711-HELP. 24/7, staffed by recovery workers.

NH Rapid Response — 24/7 crisis

Call or text. Covers substance use and mental health crises.

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-HELP. Free, confidential, 24/7. Also findtreatment.gov.

Need help right now?

Call or text 988(Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), or reach NH Rapid Response 24/7 at 833-710-6477. For any emergency, call 911.

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