Editorial standards
Last updated 2026.
Plain English, sources named
Every claim about a substance, a condition, a treatment or a cost links to a public primary source: SAMHSA, NIDA, NIMH, NIAAA, the CDC, peer-reviewed research or state licensing records. If we cannot source it, we do not publish it.
Evidence first
Coping skills are labelled by the strength of the evidence behind them. We say what a skill is likely to help with, and what it will not do. We do not promise relief.
Lived experience, clearly marked
Peer stories and founder commentary are labelled as opinion and experience, not clinical guidance.
Clinical review
Clinical review by a licensed professional is part of the launch plan. Reviewer names and review dates will appear on each page they have checked.
Corrections
If something is wrong, tell us at the contact page. We correct the page, note the change at the bottom, and keep the note.
Updates
Directory listings carry the date they were last checked. Statistics pages name the survey year.
Independence
Cope or Die does not accept payment from treatment programs for referrals, rankings, or placement, and no page is sponsored.
AI-assisted support
The AI Companion is clearly labelled as AI. It is not a licensed therapist, does not diagnose or treat, and always points to a person and to emergency services when a conversation calls for it.