I want honest facts
Learn about vaping, cannabis, alcohol, medications, opioids, and counterfeit pills.
See the facts →Someone cannot wake up or is breathing slowly? Call 911 now and give naloxone if available.
Real information • No lectures • No judgment
Substance Misuse Resources for Youth
Whether you are curious, worried about a friend, thinking about cutting back, or ready to stop—you can start here. Asking questions does not mean you are in trouble.
What do you need today?
You do not have to know exactly what to ask for. Pick the option that feels closest to where you are right now.
I want to make a change
Find practical tools for cutting back, quitting, handling cravings, and getting support.
Build a next step →I’m worried about a friend
Know what to say, what warning signs to notice, and when to get an adult involved.
Help a friend →Something happened now
Find overdose steps, Poison Control, crisis support, and emergency information.
Get help now →If something feels wrong, get help
Do not leave someone alone or worry about getting them in trouble. Getting help quickly can save a life.
- Emergency: Call 911
- Poison Control: Call 1-800-222-1222
- Mental health or emotional crisis: Call or text 988
- Connecticut services: Dial 211
Know what you’re dealing with
The goal is not to scare you. Clear information can help you make safer, more confident decisions.
Vaping can turn into dependence fast
Nicotine can affect attention, learning, mood, and impulse control while the brain is still developing. Cravings and irritability can be signs of dependence—not a lack of willpower.
Legal for adults does not mean risk-free for teens
Today’s products can be highly potent. Cannabis can affect memory, coordination, judgment, school performance, anxiety, and other parts of mental health.
How much and how fast matters
Drinking can affect judgment, coordination, consent, and driving. Mixing alcohol with medications or other substances can make the effects unpredictable and dangerous.
You cannot identify a fake pill by looking at it
Only take medication prescribed to you and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy. Pills bought online or through social media may contain fentanyl or other unexpected substances.
A pill from a friend or social media is not safe
Counterfeit pills can look like real Xanax, Adderall, oxycodone, or other medications. The DEA advises that the only safe medications are prescribed by a trusted medical professional and dispensed by a licensed pharmacist. Learn about counterfeit pills.
Thinking about cutting back or quitting?
You do not have to promise “forever” to take one useful step today. A setback does not erase your progress.
Notice the pattern
When do you use? Who are you with? What feelings, places, or situations make it harder to say no?
Choose one change
Delay using, avoid one trigger, remove supplies, plan what to say, or ask someone you trust to check in.
Add real support
A counselor, recovery meeting, health provider, trusted adult, or TTYSB staff member can help you plan without judging you.
Support that meets you where you are
You do not need to hit “rock bottom,” have a diagnosis, or know exactly what you want before reaching out. These Connecticut resources are designed for teens and young adults.
Youth Recovery CT
Start with reliable information about vaping, alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications, opioids, and other substances. You can also explore youth recovery meetings, peer stories, naloxone information, and sober social events.
- Made for teens and young adults
- Substance information in one place
- Recovery resources and community support
Youth Peer Bridger Program
Talk one-to-one with a trained peer specialist who uses lived experience to help young people work through challenges, set goals, manage stress, and connect with resources.
- For Connecticut youth ages 12–17
- Free, flexible, and individualized
- Mobile and phone-based support available
- No diagnosis or previous treatment required
- Youth can self-refer
Questions? Call 888-996-9667 or text INSPIRE to 51555.
Worried about a friend?
You do not need perfect words. Being calm, honest, and willing to listen matters more.
Start privately
Try: “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately. I care about you. What’s going on?”
Listen without lecturing
Avoid labels and threats. Ask what would help, and remind them they do not have to handle everything alone.
Bring in support
Tell a trusted adult when there may be an overdose, unsafe driving, self-harm, violence, or another immediate safety risk.
Want help figuring out what comes next?
Tri-Town Youth Services can help young people and families in Chester, Deep River, and Essex find local support and resources. Reaching out is a first step—not a commitment to a particular program.