Alcohol and Drug Hotlines: Who Can You Call When You Need Help?

Written By

Dominic Nicosia

November 1, 2021

One of the worst things about addiction and mental illness is that it makes you feel alone and that there’s nobody you can reach out to for help. Very often, especially in times of acute crisis, this line of thinking can mean the difference between self-harm and self-preservation. Sometimes the help we need right away can come from people we least expect and, that we’ve never even met. For decades, alcohol and drug hotlines have served as literal lifelines for those needing immediate help and support.

These hotlines are staffed with compassionate, empathetic, and experienced people who know what you or your loved one is going through. They can deescalate stress, help you calm down and, perhaps most importantly, just talk to you in the moment. One of the best parts about these hotlines is that, instead of offering judgment, they offer resources that can help you after you feel empowered enough to advocate for yourself. If you or your loved one are struggling with substance use or mental illness, here are some alcohol and drug hotlines that can help you get the ball rolling on recovery. Don’t be afraid or ashamed to make the call.

SAMHSA’s National Help Line

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has a National Helpline (also known as the Treatment Referral Routing Service) that can immediately route you to substance use and mental health resources in your area. It offers 24-7, free, and confidential access to those in crisis or those looking to get their loved one help.

Number – 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Alcoholics Anonymous State Hotlines

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers state hotlines for those who need help across the country. Check the information of your state chapter AA for their 24-7 hotline. Representatives will help you find meetings and recovery solutions as soon as possible.

Narcotics Anonymous State Hotlines

Similar to AA’s state hotlines, Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offers phone numbers for each state to help you find meetings and support as you find your way to recovery from opioids and other types of drug addiction.

Additional Mental Health Hotlines

Addiction doesn’t occur in a vacuum. There’s almost always an underlying mental health issue associated with substance use. Below are some helplines that can offer quick and immediate assistance to those in need:

• Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)provides information on prevention, treatment, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and related conditions (240-485-1001).
• Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)provides information on bipolar disorder and depression, offers in-person and online support groups and forums (800-826-3632).
• International OCD Foundation provides information on OCD and treatment referrals (617-973-5801).
• National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED)provides up-to-date, reliable, and evidence-based information about eating disorders (800-931-2237).
• Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) offers Schizophrenia Anonymous self-help groups and toll-free teleconferences (240-423-9432).
• Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Crisis and Suicide – 1-866-488-7386
• Trans Lifeline – 1-877-565-8860 (United States), 1-877-330-6366 (Canada)

Suicide And Crisis

• The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention provides referrals to support groups and mental health professionals, resources on loss, and suicide prevention information (888-333-2377).
• The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning, and information on domestic violence (800-799-7233).
• The Suicide Prevention Lifeline connects callers to trained crisis counselors (988).

Let Your Next Call Be to Us

When you’re safe, comfortable, and ready to get addiction treatment for yourself or your loved one, call Recovery Unplugged. Our representatives are standing by 24-7 at 800 55-REHAB to help you find your way to recovery. We’re in-network with most major insurances and offer all levels of care. You don’t have to wait another second to start taking your peace of mind and mental health back. Contact Recovery Unplugged today.

Dominic Nicosia

The Senior Content Writer here at Recovery Unplugged, Dominic Nicosia oversees the maintenance of our online blog while also handling and overseeing all written communications within Marketing. He also writes articles, thought leadership pieces, and basically everything written regarding web content. Dominic has over seven years of writing experience in the addiction care field and a Bachelor of Arts in Professional Writing from the University of Arts in Philadelphia. Dominic has been writing and playing music for years and is the proud owner of a Jack Russell/Pitbull mix named Jack. His favorite books are The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Nausea by Jean-Paul Sartre, and Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez.