Though the addiction epidemic continues to ravage states across the US, Nebraska has experienced lower opioid-related fatality rates than the national average. In 2024, 214 residents of The Cornhusker State died from drug overdoses, which places the state in the lower quartile when compared to other states.1 Nevertheless, the expansion of free addiction recovery resources in Nebraska remains a priority if residents are to achieve the healthy, happy, and dependency-free future they deserve.
Drug Statistics in Nebraska
Addiction Nonprofits in Nebraska
Boys Town
This organization provides medical care, education assistance, peer mentoring, and counseling for children and teenagers. The center also addresses mental and behavioral health disorders, including providing crisis intervention and home-based family services.
Area Substance Abuse & Alcohol Abuse Prevention (ASAAP)
This non-profit organization provides addiction prevention and intervention tools and strategies. The center also networks with schools, local officials, and communities in Adams, Clay, Nuckolls, and Webster counties.
Communities Against Substance Misuse
This group, part of the East Central District Health Department servicing Boone, Colfax, Nance, and Platte counties, provides addiction education, recovery resources, and partnerships with health and law officials to reduce substance abuse. School and community-based programs and resources for parents, families, and caregivers are available.
Coalition Rx
This group, sponsored by the University of Nebraska at Omaha, provides education and life skills resources to primary and secondary school students to address substance abuse, bullying, and co-occurring mental and behavioral health conditions. The W.I.S.E. program also offers strategies for healthy aging for the adult population.
Harm Reduction Programs
StopOverdose Nebraska
This organization provides resources for naloxone distribution, advocacy programs to lessen the stigma surrounding substance use disorder, and resources for providers, first responders, and families.
Next Distro–Nebraska
This national organization provides information and resources for clients seeking harm reduction services. The organization also offers limited access to Narcan and sterile syringes.
Southwest Nebraska Public Health Department
This organization partners with national and state agencies to reduce the stigma surrounding substance use disorder. They provide addiction prevention and recovery education materials for youths and adults and conduct public outreach programs.
Government Grants & Resources
Nebraska Medicaid (iServe Nebraska)
This online portal allows low-income clients and their families to enroll in healthcare insurance programs. Clients can determine their eligibility to receive services, select healthcare providers, and coordinate their care programs.
VA - Substance Use Disorder Program
The United States Department of Veterans’ Affairs provides three VA hospitals in Nebraska that offer substance use disorder programs for veterans and their families. Centers in Lincoln, Omaha, and Grand Island offer counseling, medication management, and inpatient and outpatient services.
NCD Health
This government-funded program in north-central Nebraska provides substance use prevention and intervention services, peer support and leadership programs, educational workshops, and primary and emergency health services.
Nebraska Family Helpline
This hotline provides Nebraska families with information and access to local and regional resources for youth and adults, including mental health and addiction recovery programs in their area.
Nebraska Rural Helpline
This government-sponsored crisis hotline provides assistance and resources for residents in rural areas, including access to addiction recovery and mental health services.
College Addiction Resources
University of Nebraska Medical Center
The university promotes harm reduction advocacy and student engagement to improve the health of local communities. Links are provided to outside educational resources.
Thomas Jefferson University
The university offers harm reduction strategies to promote overdose prevention and infections among clients with substance use disorders.
Northeast Community College
The community college has outlined its policy regarding substance use and alcohol consumption, along with health risks and disciplinary actions.
LGBTQ+ Resources
OutNebraska
This organization advocates for improved social services and resources for the LGBTQ community. Education and outreach programs include links to outside treatment centers, crisis hotlines, and social services, such as housing and food security. The group provides links to Nebraska PFlag chapters.
Omaha For Us
This center offers counseling, peer support, and stigma reduction services for LGBTQ+ community members. Support groups, safe spaces, and food services are available, with some therapy services offered on a sliding-fee scale.
Heartland Pride
This organization, based in Omaha, provides safe spaces for LGBTQ+ community members. Clients can also participate in community events, network with organization partners, and receive peer support.
Veterans Programs
Nebraska Department of Veteran Affairs
This state agency outlines the benefits and services available for military veterans and their families. Clients can access links to access health and wellness benefits, social services, housing and financial needs, and education.
Nebraska State Veterans Homes
Residential housing is available for veterans and their spouses in four locations. These sites offer long- and short-term housing, 24/7 supervision, skilled nursing, hospice/palliative care, and therapy to improve cognitive functions. Amenities are included. Fees are assessed on a sliding scale.
Nebraska Veterans Coalition
This advocacy group seeks to increase access to state resources and services for veterans. The organization offers links to outside centers for PTSD and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Indigenous & Tribal Programs
Nebraska Urban Indian Health Coalition Intertribal Treatment Center
This center offers treatment plans for substance use disorder and other self-harm among Native Americans on a sliding fee scale. Specialized services are available for seniors and clients needing transitional residency.
Ponca Tribe of Nebraska
The Ponca Tribe Council of Nebraska is partnered with state agencies to provide substance abuse programs, anger and emotional management, drug testing, social services, and referrals for the Native American community.
The Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs
This state agency coordinates state and federal resources with local communities to elevate education, health, and social services among American Indians. Links to state and outside resources are available.
Legal Aid of Nebraska
This organization provides legal assistance for justice-involved American Indians. Additional services include access to social and medical services, housing, financial and basic needs, and family.
Drug Laws in Nebraska
Liquor Control Act
Statute 53-101 outlines the requirements for retailers applying for a liquor license.
Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act
This Act, known as CARA, outlines state policies regarding children who are born to mothers with substance use disorders. Mothers and caregivers are required to conform to the standards established by the Child Abuse, Prevention, and Treatment Act to care for infants exposed to substances.
Social Host Law
Statute 53-404 requires that adult hosts may be held liable for furnishing alcohol to a minor and any injuries or damages conducted by the minor while under the influence. Retailers who sold alcohol to minors are also liable.
Naloxone Standing Order
This standing order allows pharmacists to make available naloxone to individuals who are at-risk from an opioid overdose.
Good Samaritan Law
Statute 25-21,186 mandates that no person shall be held liable for a civil offense for rendering aid to an individual who has been incapacitated by an opioid overdose or medical emergency.
Sources
- “National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Model-Based Estimated Totals (2021-2022)”, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- “Nebraska Drug Overdose Deaths Fact Sheet 2020,” Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services
- “Nebraska,” National Center for Health Statistics (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC))
- “National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Model-Based Estimated Totals (2021-2022)”, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
- “State Fact Sheets: Addressing Excessive Alcohol Use–Nebraska,” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- “Nebraska Alcohol Abuse Statistics,” National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS)
- “Average Cost of Drug Rehab,” National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS)