If You’re Worried Right Now

If you or a young person is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, help is available right now.

• Call or Text 988 – 24/7, free, confidential mental health and substance use crisis support (English & Spanish).

• Tennessee Crisis Line: (855) CRISIS-1

• Overdose emergency: Call 911. If naloxone is available, administer it and stay with the person until help arrives.

Talking With Young People About Substance Use

You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is creating space for honesty, safety, and connection.

• Create a safe, non-judgmental space for conversation.

• Express care, concern, and love.

• Avoid shame or punishment-based language.

• Use people-first language (e.g., “someone who uses drugs”).

• Have ongoing conversations, not just one “big talk.”

• Help them understand why people use substances, including stress, trauma, pain, or mental health challenges.

• Share that addiction is a medical condition, not a moral failing.

• Remind them they are not alone and that help is available.