Drug Addiction Hotline | 24/7 Addiction Helpline and Drug Treatment

Woman sitting outside on the phone with drug treatment hotline You or your loved one may currently be suffering from an alcohol or drug addiction and feel that there is nowhere to turn. You are interested in finding helpful substance abuse treatment, but you have no idea where or how to begin. Though the situation may appear bleak, there are great options that allow you to learn more about drug treatment and addiction recovery easily and on your terms. One productive option for starting a life directed by sobriety and abstinence is contacting a drug treatment hotline.

Choosing a Treatment Program

It is estimated that 40-60% of individuals treated for a substance use disorder (SUD) end up relapsing. With so many treatment programs out there—some offering big promises and claiming to be the “best” facility—how do you know if you are really choosing a quality program? Read More

What is a Drug Abuse Hotline?

A drug treatment hotline is a phone number that someone can dial to gain information and recommendations regarding drug abuse, alcohol addiction, and substance abuse treatment options. Not all drug treatment hotlines will be identical as each will have slight variations. Overall, most drug treatment helplines:

Have open phone lines each day: Many hotlines operate around-the-clock with a live person answering the line 365 days per year.
Are toll-free: Wherever you are calling from, the call will not cost you money or incur extra charges on your phone plan.
Connect you to a hotline specialist: This person gathers the facts about the level of substance use and addiction before discussing a variety of treatment options that are appropriate for the situation. The staff member will focus on understanding your perspective with compassion, empathy, and a nonjudgmental mindset.
Are confidential and anonymous: As the call begins, the staff member on the other end will not require specific details about your identity if you are not comfortable providing this information. If you do disclose your personal data, don’t worry. All information covered in a drug treatment hotline call is confidential, which means that they cannot release your information to anyone without your consent.
Help loved ones: One does not have to be abusing alcohol or drugs to benefit from a call to an addiction treatment hotline; anyone can call. This option is especially helpful if you are impacted by the substance use of a close friend or family member.

As mentioned, some hotlines are designed specifically for certain populations or will offer different services to people who call, but all hotlines intend to assist the needs of people battling alcoholism and substance addiction.

Should I Call Addiction Helpline?

Distressed man sitting outside considering calling drug treatment hotline If you are even considering calling an addiction helpline, you should dial the number because anyone can gain new information and assistance from a phone call. Many people might still find themselves reluctant to call, though. Learning and understanding the signs of addiction can help take the guesswork out of the decision.

When Should I Call a Drug Addiction Hotline?

You or your loved one might be experiencing addiction or a substance use disorder if:^1,2

The substance is used more regularly and in larger amounts for longer periods of time.
More of the substance is needed to produce the desired result.
It is challenging to reduce or stop use despite serious attempts.
Substances are used in situations even if there are serious risks of doing so.
The person spends great effort and time securing and abusing substances.
There are strong urges to use drugs.
Important relationships have been damaged or ended over substance use.
Work, education, and home responsibilities cannot be completed optimally.
There is a loss of interest in previously enjoyed hobbies or activities.
The person experiences withdrawal symptoms with abrupt reduction or cessation of use.

If you think that addiction is not an influence in your life, remember: having only two of the above signs could indicate that the person has a substance use disorder ². Having a substance use disorder suggests that drug abuse is negatively affecting their life and the lives of those around them ^1,2. If you or someone you know meets these criteria, call a drug treatment hotline today.

What Addiction Treatment Programs Are Available?

No matter the type of treatment, many addiction treatment programs will offer individual, group, and family sessions to improve the state of the individual.

The types, locations, intensities, and durations of substance addiction programs are nearly endless. A wide range of options exists to best meet the needs of the individuals within the program. Each will employ a combination of treatment styles and therapeutic modalities to:^3,4

Achieve abstinence.
Modify thoughts and behaviors surrounding substance use.
Increase healthy life skills.

At the start of addiction treatment, the individual abusing substances will undergo a thorough evaluation with emphasis on:^5,6

The substance or substances used.
The frequency, dose, and duration of use.
Supports and stressors at home.
Co-occurring medical or mental health issues.
History with treatment, relapse, and recovery.

The treatment team will then utilize this assessment to create an individualized treatment plan that best suits your needs. It is important that the treatment facility creates a unique plan according to the above factors because there are many types of interventions available, some of which will work better for you than others.

There are several addiction treatment programs available to choose from, such as:^3,4,5,6

Inpatient/Residential Treatment :

These are the most intense and regimented types of substance treatment with 24-hour staffing. They remove the individual from their environment so there can be more attention given to recovery. Types of inpatient/ residential settings include:
- Therapeutic communities (TCs): Lasting for 6 to 12 months, TCs are structured to incorporate staff and other residents in addiction recovery.
- Shorter-term residential: These options may focus mainly on detoxification and counseling for those early in recovery.
Outpatient Treatment :

People in outpatient treatment will live at home and meet with their treatment provider at regular intervals. Outpatient options have tremendous variability including:
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHPs): Treatment 5 days per week for about 6 hours per day. Sometimes called day treatment.
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs): Treatment that can offer between 9 and 20 hours of services per week.
- Standard outpatient: Often involving about an hour to a few hours of therapy per week. This level has the lowest intensity but can last for years if needed.

No matter the type of treatment, many addiction treatment programs will offer individual, group, and family sessions to improve the state of the individual ^3,4. Addiction treatments may provide additional care like:

Holistic treatment with alternative and complementary options, such as creative arts therapy, yoga, or meditation.
Dual diagnosis treatment to address addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.
Luxury treatment with lavish accommodations, spa services, and premium locations.
Executive treatment that caters to the busy professional or business owner by allowing work time throughout treatment.

Let’s verify your coverage for treatment at an American Addiction Centers location. Your information is kept 100% confidential.

Insurance Providers with Treatment Coverage

Find 24/7 Addiction Helpline and Drug Treatment

There are many addiction and mental health hotlines that you can call to access information and receive help, including:

Sources

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). What to Do If Your Adult Friend or Loved One Has a Problem with Drugs.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2016). DrugFacts: Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction.
National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2012). Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2008). What Is Substance Abuse Treatment? A Booklet for Families.
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2015). Detoxification and Substance Abuse Treatment.

Drug Abuse and Addiction Hotline