SAMHSA National Helpline
Confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information. Learn more
1-800-662-4357
Listen to Sober is Dope Podcast: https://anchor.fm/Soberisdope
When you or someone you love is struggling with substance abuse issues, it’s completely normal to feel like you don’t know what to do. Luckily, free and confidential hotlines exist for people who are in your exact position. The educated advisors on these hotlines can point you towards affordable treatment options, walk you through the process of entering treatment, and provide you with other resources to point you in the right direction. Learn how below. #samhsa #drugcrisis #soberisdope
Is the Conversation Confidential When I Call a Substance Abuse Helpline?
Alcohol and drug addiction hotlines are anonymous and confidential toll-free numbers that offer assistance to those struggling with substance abuse. They are staffed by trained advisors, some of whom are also in recovery themselves.
American Addiction Centers offers free and confidential guidance to those suffering from addiction.
How to Prepare for an Alcohol or Drug Abuse Hotline Call
If you or a loved one has an addiction or is in need for some free guidance and support with substance abuse issues, calling a hotline and talking with an advisor is a good and free place to start. If you are still unsure if calling a hotline is the right thing to do, here are some questions to ask yourself that may help you decide:
Are you afraid that you or a loved one’s use of drugs or alcohol has started to become more serious, or is causing problems?
Are you or a loved one currently addicted to drugs or alcohol and wanting to get and stay sober, but are unsure of where to turn or how to start?
Are you looking for advice on how to engage a loved one about their addiction or provide them some resources to get help and start treatment for their addiction?
If you answered yes to any of these questions, you should consider calling a drug or alcohol hotline. However, if you are still unsure whether you should call, here are some signs and symptoms of alcoholism and drug addiction:
Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home in favor of drug or alcohol use.
Wanting to quit drinking alcohol and/or using drugs, but being unable to stop.
Experiencing significant cravings or irritability when not using drugs or consuming alcohol.
Using drugs or consuming alcohol despite the impact on relationships, jobs, finances, and physical and mental health it may cause.
Using more of a substance than intended, or needing to use more of a substance in order to achieve the same result/feeling as when you first began using, which is referred to as tolerance.
Experiencing mental and/or physical withdrawal symptoms when you stop using drugs or alcohol, which is referred to as dependence.
If one or more of these signs or symptoms sound familiar, then a drug and alcohol hotline can help you or your loved one take the first step towards recovery.
Emergency Calls
If you or a loved one is experiencing a medical or psychological emergency, such as overdose, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Do not call a hotline, as they are not equipped to handle these situations.
Addiction can take a heavy toll on the people around you; hotlines are available to both the person addicted as well as their loved ones. While these hotlines cannot provide counseling services, they do provide support, education, and resources to help you or your loved one better understand how to get additional help and steps to addiction treatment.
Addiction helplines typically help people who are struggling with abusing drugs such as:
Marijuana.
Dissociatives (PCP, DXM, Ketamine, etc.).
Club Drugs (Ecstasy/Molly, GHB, etc.).
Hallucinogens (LSD, mushrooms, etc.).
Study drugs (Adderall, etc.).
Ambien.
Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Ativan, etc.).
Cocaine.
Crack.
Crystal meth.
Prescription Opioids (Oxycodone, Vicodin, etc.).
Fentanyl.
Heroin.
Opioids.
Alcohol.
