Family Resources
Helplines
2-1-1
Dial 2-1-1 from anywhere in Connecticut and you will reach a highly-trained specialist who will assess your needs and provide confidential referrals to the resources in your community. Specialists help callers find assistance for complex issues such as financial problems, substance abuse and suicide prevention and for simpler issues such as finding volunteer opportunities and donation options. 2-1-1 is available 24 hours a day every day of the year. Multilingual assistance and TDD access is also available.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-8255
The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals.
SAMHSA’s National Helpline
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Quit Smoking
If you want to quit smoking cigarettes, using dip, or vaping, you can get free help without giving anyone your personal information.
Call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (1-800-784-8669)
Chat with a counselor https://livehelp.cancer.gov/
Websites
1 Word 1 Voice 1 Life
https://www.preventsuicidect.org/
A network of diverse advocates, educators and leaders concerned with addressing the problem of suicide with a focus on prevention, intervention, and health and wellness promotion.
Connecticut Clearinghouse
https://www.ctclearinghouse.org/
An up to date resource center providing information on substance use and mental health disorders, prevention and health promotion, treatment and recovery, wellness and other related topics.
CDC – You(th) and Tobacco
https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/basic_information/youth/information-sheet/index.htm
Learn more about what youth, parents, and coaches should know about tobacco use, including how parents and coaches can get involved in tobacco prevention.
Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services
https://portal.ct.gov/DMHAS/About-DMHAS/Agency/Welcome-to-DMHAS
A health care agency whose mission is to promote health and wellness of people with behavioral health needs through a network of services and supports that foster dignity, respect, and self-sufficiency.
Get Smart About Drugs
https://www.getsmartaboutdrugs.gov
A drug education resource for parents created by the DEA [Drug Enforcement Administration]. Be informed and search for information about a drug. Discover the consequences of use and read about recent trends.
LiveLOUD
If you or someone you know is struggling with opioids or other substances, you are not alone. There are ways to connect and get the support you need. Talk to a peer, call for treatment options, connect on social media, or search for 12 step or other support groups in your community.
National Institute on Drug Abuse for Teens
https://teens.drugabuse.gov/parents
Get information to help you talk with your teens about drugs and their effects, and learn where to go to get help.
National Association of Children of Alcoholics
NACOA’s mission is to eliminate the adverse impact of alcohol and drug use on children and families.
Newtown Center for Support and Wellness
Connects individuals in Newtown with wellness resources through a referral system and dedicates staff to families and individuals in need.
Newtown Parent Connection
https://www.newtownparentconnection.org/
Educating and empowering the community in the prevention of substance abuse and embracing families in crisis. Support groups and resources available.
One Choice Prevention
A non-profit organization working to reduce illegal drug use. Includes strategies to help your kids avoid drugs and drinking, precautions to take in your home, and education on youth’s exposure to E-Cigs.
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
Get the resources you need to help address your son or daughter’s substance use, whether you’ve just discovered it or whether you need a new approach.
Parent Toolkit
https://www.parenttoolkit.com/
Parent Toolkit is a one-stop resource developed with parents in mind. It includes information about almost every aspect of your child’s development, because they’re all connected.
SAMHSA – Talk. They Hear you.
https://www.samhsa.gov/underage-drinking/parent-resources
[Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration]
Check out these resources to help you start—and keep up—the conversation about the dangers of drinking alcohol and using other drugs at a young age.
Support Groups
Alateen
https://al-anon.org/newcomers/teen-corner-alateen/
Alateen is a group of young people (mostly teenagers) whose lives have been affected by someone else’s drinking whether they are in your life drinking or not. By attending Alateen, teenagers meet other teenagers with similar situations.
Alcoholics Anonymous
A fellowship of men and women who have had a drinking problem. It is nonprofessional, self-supporting, multiracial, apolitical, and available almost everywhere. Membership is open to anyone who wants to do something about his or her drinking problem.
Narcotics Anonymous
NA is a nonprofit fellowship of men and women for whom drugs have become a problem. We are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean.
SMART Recovery
https://www.smartrecovery.org/
Self-Management And Recovery Training (SMART) is a global community of mutual-support groups. At meetings, participants help one another resolve problems with any addiction (to drugs or alcohol or to activities such as gambling or over-eating). Participants find and develop the power within themselves to change and lead fulfilling and balanced lives.