Help is here for addiction.

Get connected to phone, in-person or online help now.

Choose the best way to get the care you need, right here in Delaware. All services are free, and any referrals are available to you, whether you have insurance or not.

By phone — Hope Line

Free 24/7 counseling, coaching, and support, as well as links to behavioral health services provided by individuals with lived experiences.

Call the Delaware Hope Line:
833-9-HOPEDE

By phone and mobile — Crisis Intervention Service

Free 24/7 crisis counseling by phone, or when needed by mobile response, to address urgent and emergent behavioral health needs.

Call the Crisis Intervention Service:

In person — Bridge Clinics

The four Bridge Clinics across the state offer more immediate access to services for substance use and mental health needs, and include:

  • Services available to all Delaware residents
  • No fee for services, whether individuals are insured or not, and regardless of their ability to pay
  • Screenings and referrals to treatment for opioid and other substance use and mental health disorders
  • Evaluations conducted by qualified, licensed clinicians
  • A navigational peer who connects individuals with support services in the care network
  • Transportation to and from the facility, when available
  • Training for administering naloxone, an overdose-reversal medication
  • Certified peers with the ability to support individuals during their journey
Mobile Bridge Clinic

The Mobile Bridge Clinic is located in front of the Howard R. Young Correctional Institution and Baylor Women’s Correctional Institution. The Mobile Bridge van provides social support to individuals returning to the community from incarceration, including support for their families. Individuals and their families can receive services like phone charging, counseling referrals, toiletries, and an opportunity to connect with a peer specialist.

  • Kent County

    James W. Williams State Service Center

    805 River Rd., 3rd Floor, Dover, DE 19901

    M—F, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    302-857-5060

  • New Castle County

    DSAMH Central Office

    14 Central Ave. New Castle, DE 19720

    M—F, 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    302-255-1650

  • New Castle County

    Hope Center (formerly the Sheraton hotel)

    365 Airport Rd. New Castle, DE 19720

    M—F, 8:30 a.m to 9:30 p.m.

    S—S, 8:30 a.m to 6:30 p.m.

    302-544-6815

  • Sussex County

    Thurman Adams State Service Center

    546 S. Bedford St. Georgetown, DE 19947

    M—F, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    302-515-3310

In-person support may be limited due to COVID-19. Please call the location for more information.

Online

Treatment Connection

Find Delaware-specific, state-vetted treatment providers near you ready to accept patients, whether you have insurance or not.

Search Now
Addiction treatment locator, assessment, and standards platform

Search for and compare treatment facilities near you from a multi-state database, using trustworthy information on treatment quality.

Search Now

What is addiction?

Addiction is a disease that causes two types of dependence:

Physical dependence
Physical dependence is the result of physical changes in the brain through the use of an addictive drug, which produces symptoms of withdrawal in the absence of that drug.
Psychological dependence
Psychological dependence is the result of prolonged use of an addictive drug, causing an emotional need or compulsion to continue using it.

Signs of Addiction

Physical signs

  • Altered sleep habits
  • Small or pinpoint pupils
  • Dramatic weight changes
  • Frequent nosebleeds
  • Frequent colds or illnesses
  • Itchy skin or unexplained cuts or scabs
  • Leg cramps
  • Poor hygiene

Emotional signs

  • A sense of desperation
  • Changes in personality or friends
  • School or work performance problems
  • Out of or in need of money
  • Nodding off or constant sleep problems
  • Paranoia
  • Secrecy

Start the conversation

Talk to your loved ones about your addiction.

Asking for help shows courage. You’ve taken the first step to recovery. It’s never too late to ask for help. Everyone needs support in their recovery.

Talk to your loved ones about their addiction.

If you suspect someone you love has a problem:

  • Choose the right time to talk. Be sure they are sober or have not been using.
  • Voice your concern. Begin by expressing your concerns without making accusations: (e.g. “Susan, can I ask you about your drug or alcohol use? I am concerned about you. Is there something going on we need to talk about?”)
  • Be specific. Explain what you observed that concerns you. For example, you found missing pills or an empty pill bottle, you’ve noticed a change in appearance that may indicate a problem, or their school or work performance had declined.
  • Be prepared for strong reactions. They may accuse you of snooping or say you’re crazy. Stay calm.
  • Reinforce what you think about drug use and its dangers. Tell them how much you care for them.
  • Get help from the experts. If you want to talk to someone about how to get treatment for their addiction, we can help.

Get help

Finding help can be overwhelming. We can help. Call us at 833-9-HOPEDE for help using this list and finding the appropriate resources.

Name Age Gender Accepts Insurance Locations Phone Website
Delaware Libraries Virtual Library Event Calendar
 Age: Gender: Accepts Insurance:No Locations: Phone: https://news.delaware.gov/2020/04/14/delaware-libraries-shared-virtual-library-event-calendar/
Lincoln Center at Home
 Age: Gender: Accepts Insurance:No Locations: Phone: http://www.lincolncenter.org/lincoln-center-at-home
United Way Volunteer Opportunities
 Age: Gender: Accepts Insurance:No Locations: Phone: https://uwde.galaxydigital.com/need/?s=1&need_init_id=2959
University of Pittsburgh Events Calendar
 Age: Gender: Accepts Insurance:No Locations: Phone: https://calendar.pitt.edu/
Name Age Gender Accepts Insurance Locations Phone Website
Addiction Action Committee
 Age:Adults Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Visit website for details Phone: http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/pdachome.html

Addiction Action Committee: Public-private partnership started by the Division of Public Health and the Medical Society of Delaware to bring together multiple stakeholders to address the prescription drug abuse problem in Delaware.
atTAcK addiction
 Age:10-17 Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Delaware State Police Troop 2, 100 Lagrange Ave., Newark Phone:302-593-0949 http://www.attackaddiction.org/get-involved/reality-tour/

atTAcK addiction, a grassroots advocacy group, provides a monthly drug awareness and prevention program called Reality Tour that takes you into the life experiences of a teen addicted to drugs. Intended for youth ages 10-17, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Child Priority Response Services
 Age: Gender: Accepts Insurance:No Locations: Phone:800-969-4357

Emotional support and self-destructive behavior
Delaware Adolescent Substance Abuse Facts
 Age:10-19 Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Online resource Phone: https://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/facts-and-stats/national-and-state-data-sheets/adolescents-and-substance-abuse/delaware/index.html
Delaware School Survey
 Age:11-18 Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations: Phone: https://www.cdhs.udel.edu/seow/school-surveys/delaware-school-survey-%28dss%29

Annual Study of Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Abuse Among 5th, 8th and 11th-Grade Students in Delaware Public Schools.
Delaware’s 24-Hour Child Priority Response Hotline
 Age:Children Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations: Phone:800-969-4357 or 911
Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families
 Age:17 and under Gender:All Accepts Insurance:Yes Locations:Statewide Phone:302-633-2600 http://kids.delaware.gov/pbhs/pbhs.shtml

Department of Services for Children, Youth and Their Families: Provides a continuum of prevention services, early intervention services, and mental health and substance abuse treatment programs for children and youth.
Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health
 Age:All Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Visit website for details Phone: http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsamh/prevention.html

Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health: Information on prevention training, initiatives and events across the state to encourage safe and healthy Delawareans across the lifespan.
Office of Adolescent Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services
 Age:All Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Visit website for details Phone:855-378-4373 http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/

Office of Adolescent Health, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Parent Hotline: 855-DRUGFREE (378-4373)
Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
 Age:All Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Visit website for details Phone:1-855-DRUGFREE http://www.drugfree.org/Delaware

Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: Nonprofit organization dedicated to reducing teen substance abuse and helping families impacted by addiction, including guides and resources.

Prevent Youth Suicide
 Age:All Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Visit website for details Phone: http://getrightsideup.org/

Prevent Youth Suicide : Resource website for parents, teens and the community.
Red Clay School Nurses
 Age:Parents Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Visit website for details Phone: http://www.smartmovessmartchoices.org/resources

Red Clay School Nurses: Red Clay School Nurses have been on the forefront of prevention efforts at the high school, middle school and now elementary school level, using the Smart Moves, Smart Choices program.
Resources for talking with teens
 Age:Parents Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Visit website for details Phone: http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/resources-and-publications/info/parents/just-facts/
Strategic Prevention Framework
 Age:All Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Visit website for details Phone: http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dsamh/prevention.html

Strategic Prevention Framework – State Incentive Grant: Partnering to reduce substance abuse and related problem behaviors by strengthening children, families and communities through prevention and early intervention training, education and services.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Hotline
 Age:All Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations: Phone:800-662-HELP (4357)
The Medicine Abuse Project
 Age:All Gender:All Accepts Insurance:No Locations:Visit website for details Phone: http://medicineabuseproject.org/

The Medicine Abuse Project : Five-year action campaign that aims to prevent half a million teens from abusing medicine by the year 2017.
Name Phone Website
Addiction Action Committee
 Phone: http://dhss.delaware.gov/dhss/dph/pdachome.html

Addiction Action Committee: Public-private partnership started by the Division of Public Health and the Medical Society of Delaware to bring together multiple stakeholders to address the prescription drug abuse problem in Delaware.
atTAcK addiction
 Phone:302-834-8938 http://www.attackaddiction.org/get-involved/reality-tour/

Grassroots advocacy and education group hosts monthly awareness and prevention program, Reality Tour, for parents and youth age 10-18.
atTAcK addiction
 Phone:302-593-0949 http://www.attackaddiction.org/get-involved/reality-tour/

atTAcK addiction, a grassroots advocacy group, provides a monthly drug awareness and prevention program called Reality Tour that takes you into the life experiences of a teen addicted to drugs. Intended for youth ages 10-17, who must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions
 Phone: http://www.cadca.org/

Community Anti-Drug Coalitions: National membership organization representing more than 5,000 coalitions and affiliates nationwide.
Delaware Goes Purple
 Phone:302-858-4764 https://www.delawaregoespurple.org/default.asp

Community awareness campaign in Sussex and Kent counties about the dangers of substance abuse, support for education and treatment, reducing the stigma of addiction, and sending a message of hope and healing.

GetSmartAboutDrugs.com
 Phone: http://getsmartaboutdrugs.com/

Practical website from the Drug Enforcement Agency for parents, educators and caregivers.
Hero Help
 Phone:302-395-2811 https://www.nccde.org/1266/HERO-HELP-Program

Hero Help, administered by the New Castle County Police Department, is a collaboration with the Delaware Department of Justice and DHSS’ Division of Substance Abuse and Mental Health to provide drug and/or alcohol addiction treatment to qualifying adults who contact the police and ask for treatment, or to individuals in lieu of an immediate arrest for lesser crimes.

Project Engage
 Phone: https://christianacare.org/services/behavioralhealth/project-engage/

Project Engage is an early intervention and referral to substance use disorder treatment program, within Christiana Care Health System, designed to help hospital patients who may be struggling with alcohol or drug use. Project Engage collaborates with hospital staff to identify and connect patients with community-based treatment programs and other resources.

Resources for talking with teens
 Phone: http://www.hhs.gov/ash/oah/resources-and-publications/info/parents/just-facts/
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Helpline
 Phone:800-662-HELP (4357)
Sussex County Health Coalition
 Phone:302-858-4764 https://www.sussexcoalition.org
The Problem with Prescription Opioids
 Phone: https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/prescribed.html
TRIAD Addiction Recovery Services
 Phone:302-655-1153 http://www.triadde.org

Hosts ongoing education seminars that are open to the public at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1104 N. Adams St., Wilmington.
University of Delaware’s Center for Drug and Health Studies
 Phone: https://www.cdhs.udel.edu/

University of Delaware’s Center for Drug and Health Studies: A collaborative effort to develop innovative approaches in the treatment of drug addiction.