substance use disorders

Substance use disorders — the repeated misuse of alcohol and/or drugs — often occur simultaneously in individuals with mental illness, usually to cope with overwhelming symptoms. The combination of these two illnesses has its own term: dual diagnosis, or co-occurring disorders. Either disorder (substance use or mental illness) can develop first.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, 17 million U.S. adults experienced both mental illness and a substance use disorder in 2020.

New Hampshire Resources:

- New Hampshire Rapid Response provides immediate, 24/7 mental health and/or substance use crisis support through phone, text and chat. Call or text (833) 710-6477.
- NH Drug & Alcohol Treatment Locator | New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services lists treatment agencies and individual practitioners offering substance use disorder services in your area.
- The Doorway is a New Hampshire program that works to connect individuals with the treatment, support, or resources that they need through a single entry point. Call 211 to be connected with a Doorway.
- Adolescent Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) | Greater Nashua Mental Health Center is a program providing “whole person” treatment and support, including group and individual therapy, family support and treatment, and case management to teens with substance use disorder. Call (603) 889-6147 and ask about the Adolescent IOP for more information.
- Adolescent Substance Abuse Program (ASAP) | Seacoast Youth Services is an educational course for adolescents with substance use issues who do not require inpatient treatment. Contact Sarah Fetras or call (603) 474-3332 ext. 103 to set up an intake.
- Alternative Peer Groups | Creating Connections NH offers youth and young adults with substance use challenges a supportive environment to connect with peers that is substance-free and recovery-focused.
- The Seven Challenges is a comprehensive, therapeutic counseling program that helps youth and young adults work on their alcohol and other drug problems. It can be delivered in a variety of settings, including school, home, community health site, outpatient service, or group home.

- Live Free Recovery – Dover & Newton
  (603) 702-2461
- Addiction Recovery Coalition of NH – Souhegan Valley
  (603) 554-8142
- Revive Recovery – Nashua
  (888) 317-8312
- The Youth Council – Nashua
  (603) 889-1090
- Hope for NH Recovery – Manchester
  (603) 935-7524
- Safe Harbor Recovery Center – Portsmouth
  (603) 570-9444
- Archways of Greater Franklin/Tilton Area
  (603) 286-4255

National Resources:

- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7/365 referral and information service for individuals facing substance use and/or mental health disorders. Call 1-800-622-HELP (4357)
- Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous are 12-step groups for people recovering from alcohol or drug addiction. Be sure to find a group that understands the role of mental health treatment in recovery.
- Smart Recovery is a sobriety support group for people with a variety of addictions that is not based in faith.
- She Recovers connects, supports, and empowers women and non-binary individuals who identify with women’s communities who are in or seeking recovery from mental health issues, trauma, substance use, and related life challenges through virtual and in-person offerings and resources.

Educational Resources:

Prevention Resources:

- Community Action for Safe Teens provides resources and programs to support families and prevent substance misuse in the Souhegan Valley.
  - CAST’s Children’s Resiliency Retreat is a monthly program that “includes educational and therapeutic knowledge, tools, and coping skills designed to help kids break the cycle of substance use disorders.”
- New Hampshire Teen Institute offers programming aimed at prevention and empowering youth to be leaders in their communities.
- Partnership to End Addiction empowers families to work together to prevent substance misuse and manage addiction recovery.