Free National 24-Hour Drug Misuse Recovery Helplines

Finding the best recovery center for drug or alcohol addiction can be difficult, but the right program for you is out there. If you’re not sure how to begin your search, contacting an addiction recovery helpline can help you take the first step toward getting the help you need.

What Is an Alcohol or Drug Addiction Helpline?

An addiction recovery helpline is a phone service that offers information, resources, and support to individuals struggling with substance misuse or addiction. While addiction recovery helplines vary depending on the company that operates them, many are confidential and free. Helplines are also typically staffed by trained professionals who help those in need. They can often help individuals:

• Learn about the effects of substance misuse and addiction.
• Understand withdrawal symptoms and the detox process.
• Understand your treatment options (e.g., inpatient rehab, outpatient rehab).
• Find treatment centers.
• Connect you to local support groups.
• Help verify your insurance.

Who Are Alcohol and Drug Addiction Helplines For?

Anyone struggling with substance misuse or addiction who wants help quitting can benefit from calling drug or alcohol hotlines. Family members and loved ones can also call to find out more about substance misuse or addiction and treatment options. Many alcohol and drug abuse hotlines are available 24 hours a day and are staffed with caring and knowledgeable individuals who want to help, some of whom have personally experienced addiction recovery.

How to Prepare to Call a Substance Misuse and Addiction Helpline

Before you call a drug abuse hotline, have the following information ready:

• Age of the person seeking treatment.
• Location.
• Substances they are current using or have a history of using.
• How long they have been using.
• Frequency of use/amount.
• Co-occurring disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression) that may need additional support.
• Insurance information.

When calling an addiction helpline, it’s helpful to be as honest as possible with the navigator so that they can provide the most useful resources and treatment information. You might also want to prepare some questions of your own about addiction treatment, alcohol and drug rehabilitation and the addiction recovery process.

Common Recovery Helpline Questions

Below are some of the commonly asked questions that alcohol and drug addiction recovery helplines receive. You might want to ask alcohol or drug helplines:

Am I Addicted to Drugs or Alcohol?

Drug and alcohol addiction look different for each person, but certain signs are common among people with substance use disorder (SUD), the clinical term for addiction. These include:¹

• Being unable to cut back or stop using the substance despite a desire to do so.
• Spending a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the effects of the substance.
• Experiencing cravings, or an intense desire, to use the substance.
• Being unable to fulfill obligations at home, school, or work due to substance use.
• Continuing to use the substance despite having interpersonal or social problems that are caused or worsened by substance use.
• Using the substance in situations where it is dangerous to do so (e.g., driving).
• Using the substance despite having a persistent mental or physical health problem that is likely due to substance use.
• Giving up occupational, recreational, or social activities to use the substance.
• Developing tolerance, meaning you need more of the substance to achieve previous effects.
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms.

SUD can only be diagnosed by a medical professional. If you are concerned that you or a loved one is misusing drugs or alcohol, you can reach out to drug hotline numbers to speak to someone who can assist you.

What Types of Addiction Treatment Programs Are Available?

Addiction treatment programs vary in duration and intensity to meet the diverse needs of individuals seeking recovery. Here is an overview of the different types of addiction treatment programs:^{2, 3}

• Detox: This is often the initial stage of addiction treatment that focuses on helping individuals comfortably and safely withdraw from drugs or alcohol.
• Inpatient rehab: Inpatient rehab offers a structured therapeutic environment for individuals with severe addiction. Patients live on-site and receive around-the-clock intensive counseling, therapy, and supervision.
• Outpatient rehab: Outpatient rehab provides treatment while allowing individuals to maintain their daily routines, such as work or school.
• Partial hospitalization program (PHP): A PHP is an intermediate level of care that combines aspects of inpatient and outpatient treatment.

What Treatment Approaches Are Used in Drug and Alcohol Rehab?

There are various approaches to treating substance use disorders depending on the needs of the individual and the level of care. These approaches include:^{2, 3}

• Behavioral therapy helps the individual dealing with addiction by teaching them the skills they need to make important changes in their life. Therapy will help them learn why their thoughts and beliefs are influencing their addiction. It will also help them develop problem-solving skills to help them avoid substance abuse in the future.
• 12-step programs such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous can help many people continue their sobriety using fellowship, social support, and spirituality.
• Motivational interviewing helps recovering individuals develop their motivations to remain sober and create plans to stay away from drugs or alcohol.
• Contingency management uses rewards to reinforce behavior, including staying drug- and alcohol-free.
• Medication is useful in some cases to block the effects of certain drugs, relieve cravings, or alleviate withdrawal symptoms.
• Alternative methods of treatment are also available, including holistic treatments, wilderness programs, art therapy, and equine therapy.

Additional Free National Addiction Helplines and Resources

This list of substance abuse helpline numbers includes national substance abuse hotline numbers that may provide you with the information and support you need. If you are facing an immediate crisis, please call 911.

• Boys Town National Hotline
  • 1-800-448-3000
  • Crisis and resource line staffed by counselors to provide information about a variety of issues, including chemical dependency.
• Covenant House Teen Hotline (NineLine)
  • 1-800-852-8336
  • General hotline for adolescents, teens, and their families. Assistance with any kind of problem – including alcohol and drug use. Covenant House specializes in homeless and runaway youth.
• National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)
  • 1-800-NCA-CALL (622-2255)
  • NCADD’s HOPE LINE directs callers to numerous affiliate programs around the country to assist, at a local level, with substance use issues.
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
  • 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  • Confidential information service for individuals and family members faced with substance use disorders and/or mental health issues. Information is available in English and Spanish.
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
  • 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
  • Not just a suicide hotline, this lifeline offers help with issues of drug and alcohol use.
• Partnership for Drug-Free Kids
  • 1-855-DRUG-FREE (378-4373)
  • While not a crisis hotline, this alcohol and drug abuse hotline provides information to parents about adolescent and teen drug use, prevention, and treatment.

Paying for Rehabilitation Treatment

Paying for addiction rehab can be done through various methods, including health insurance coverage, Medicaid or Medicare, private payment plans, sliding scale fees based on income, grants or scholarships, and state-funded programs. Some individuals may also seek financial assistance from family and friends or use personal savings or loans to cover the costs.