Mississippi Drug Statistics and Resources

In terms of numbers, Mississippi has had a relatively low death toll from substance abuse; in 2022, the Magnolia State had only experienced 358 fatalities. Nevertheless, substance use disorder remains a pressing concern, and there remains a greater demand for free addiction/recovery/substance abuse resources in Mississippi.

Drug Statistics in Mississippi

Addiction Nonprofits in Mississippi

HINDS–Behavioral Health Services

This faith-based organization advocates for African Americans with substance use disorder in Hinds County. The center provides 24/7 mobile crisis response units, referrals to treatment centers and detox, and coordination with other local communities.

Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance (MAMA)

This government-sponsored program assists pregnant and postpartum women who have difficulty caring for their newborns and young children. The center provides financial assistance, quality of life essentials, such as food security and clothing, transitional housing, career coaching, and referrals to address mental and behavioral health disorders, including addictions.

OD Free

This organization provides resources, education material, naloxone kits, and overdose training and awareness across the state. Specialty programs include resources for the LGBTQ+ community.

ImPact Mentoring

This program, provided by the Boys and Girls Club, offers peer mentoring services for adolescents to build resilience against drugs and alcohol. The program includes informal counseling, peer support, and life skills development to develop healthy daily living routines.

Harm Reduction Programs

Mississippi Harm Reduction Initiative

This state program provides drug test strips, enrollment in opioid education programs, Narcan kits, syringe exchange services, spiritual guidance, and emergency overdose response training at no cost to clients ages 18 and older. The program also provides referrals to substance use disorder treatment and court-ordered programs.

Mississippi Harm Reduction Vending Machines

These freestanding kiosks are available throughout Mississippi. They dispense Narcan, drug testing kits, personal hygiene material, and first aid kits at no cost to community members. Clients sign up and receive products via a QR code.

NEXT Distro - Mississippi

This multi-state organization provides drug testing, naloxone, drug overdose prevention training, syringe exchange programs for clients at no cost, and overdose medication to clients impacted by substance use disorder. All client information is kept confidential.

Stand Up Mississippi

This organization provides peer support, education resources, and harm reduction approaches to clients impacted by opioid use. The group offers links to preventions, interventions, and treatment centers.

Government Grants & Resources

Mississippi Division of Medicaid

Mississippi offers health insurance to low-income families and individuals, including seniors, children, and disabled communities. Clients can check their eligibility, select healthcare providers, and coordinate their benefits.

VA–Substance Use Disorder Program

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs provides counseling, inpatient and outpatient programs, and medication-assisted treatment for veterans and their families. VA programs are available throughout various locations in Mississippi.

Mississippi OSUD Program

This government agency monitors and compiles data on substance use, overdoses, and naloxone distribution. The agency also promotes public policy to reduce stigmas and expand access to treatment programs.

MSDH Adolescent Health Program

The Mississippi State Department of Health’s teen program provides education resources, training programs, and coordination between local groups and state agencies to promote the health of young people.

DMH Hotline

The Department of Mental Health has created several crisis hotlines for clients. Services are available 24/7, are anonymous, and can provide referrals and information for clients and family members impacted by chemical dependency. Hotline numbers also include mobile response teams designated by county/region.

College Addiction Resources

University of Southern Mississippi–Narcan program

The university has installed Narcan vending machines in the residence halls in Hattiesburg campus. Naloxone is available in emergency kits and to students who have undergone Narcan training.

Mississippi State University–GAIN program

The Goal-Driven Alcohol/Drug Intervention Network offers harm reduction approaches, education and training to mitigate overdoses, coping strategies, and campus resources for students impacted by substance use disorder.

Mississippi State University

The university provides drug screenings for students, alongside campus resources to treat substance use disorder. Programs include GAIN harm reduction, a student-led community group, outreach presentations and workshops, and medical amnesty.

Pearl River Community College

Pearl River Community College has published its policy regarding substance abuse and determines the disciplinary course needed. The campus also mandates drug screenings for athletes.

LGBTQ+ Resources

Lancaster LGBTQ+ Coalition

This LGBTQ+ community organization provides support, education, and resources for members impacted by substance use disorder. Public outreach programs and workshops are also available.

LBGTQ Fund of Mississippi

This grant program provides funding for LGBTQ+ organizations and causes. Past grant recipients include services for housing assistance, university programs, education outreach, and wellness clinics.

PFlag Jackson

This chapter of the PFlag network provides education resources and support for LGBTQ+ community members. Community outreach programs and events are also available, with select meetings in coordination with the Modern Military Association of America.

Veterans Programs

Mississippi VA

This state agency outlines services and benefits available to veterans and their family members. Links to VA healthcare enrollment, social services, and employment opportunities are featured.

Mississippi Veterans Homes

These residential facilities are available for veterans and their spouses who may need short- or long-term care. Nursing and specialized care are available, although clients who require medical and hospital care are not eligible.

Biloxi VA Medical Center

This VA medical facility offers 24/7 care for mental and behavioral health disorders. The center features programs to address trauma, psychiatric disorders, and emotional wellness.

Indigenous & Tribal Programs

Choctaw Health Center

The Choctaw tribe provides 24/7 behavioral health services for American Indians and Alaskan Natives. Services include interventions, diagnosis, treatment planning, and therapeutic approaches. A hotline is also available.

Drug Laws in Mississippi

Naloxone Standing Order

Section 41-29-319, Mississippi Code of 1972 mandates that licensed prescribers can provide naloxone to clients without a prescription if the client is at-risk from an opioid-related overdose.

Good Samaritan Law

41.29.3§ 41-29-1491 waives general liability for volunteers and first responders who act in good faith when providing assistance to individuals experiencing an opioid-related overdose.

Social Host Law

MS Code § 67-3-73 (2013) states that adults are held liable should underage alcohol consumption take place on their property. Social hosts are not held liable for any injuries or damage that take place off their property/premises if the alcohol was consumed by legal-age adults.

Sources

Where do calls go?

Calls to any general helpline will be answered or returned by one of the treatment providers listed, each of which is a paid advertiser: Rehab Media Group, Recovery Helpline, Alli Addiction Services.

By calling the helpline you agree to the terms of use. We do not receive any commission or fee that is dependent upon which treatment provider a caller chooses. There is no obligation to enter treatment.