Alcohol and Drug Hotlines: Who Can You Contact When You Need Help?
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 have never met. For decades, alcohol and drug hotlines have served as literal lifelines for those needing immediate help and support. Please visit the websites below for each organization’s most updated contact information and hotlines.
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, 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)[1] 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 seeking help from their loved ones.
Alcoholics Anonymous State Hotlines
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)[2] offers state hotlines for those needing help nationwide. 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)[3] 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.
- Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)provides information on bipolar disorder and depression and offers in-person and online support groups and forums.
- International OCD Foundation provides information on OCD and treatment referrals.
- National Center of Excellence for Eating Disorders (NCEED)provides up-to-date, reliable, and evidence-based information about eating disorders.
- Schizophrenia and Related Disorders Alliance of America (SARDAA) offers Schizophrenia Anonymous self-help groups and toll-free teleconferences.
- Trevor Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Crisis and Suicide
- Trans Lifeline
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.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline provides 24/7 crisis intervention, safety planning, and information on domestic violence.
- 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 insurance companies and offer all levels of care. You don’t have to wait another second to regain peace of mind and mental health. Contact Recovery Unplugged today.
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Sources
[1] SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (n.d.). SAMHSA – The Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration. Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.samhsa.gov/node
[2] Have a problem with alcohol? There is a solution. | Alcoholics Anonymous. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://www.aa.org/
[3] NA. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2024, from https://na.org/
