Alcoholism and drug addiction are very dangerous problems that have no differences in affecting people. It may of any generation, gender, age, and culture. Hotlines dedicated to drug abuse and addiction are helpful resources that can answer virtually any question an individual may have on drug abuse and addiction treatment.
The majority of the Americans are facing drug abuse in their entire life, according to the 2016 Surgeon General Report on alcoholism and substance abuse. The good news is, there are a variety of treatment options available. One can recover their life and move on from addiction when they are addicted.
What Is A Drug Abuse Hotline?
These hotlines are basically a toll-free number that provides information related to substance abuse and treatment options. Individuals struggling with addiction to prescription drugs, alcohol, and other substances can call the telephone number and obtain specific information on substance abuse, treatment facilities, and other drug-related topics.
For family members and loved ones suffering from substance abuse and alcoholism, one can approach inpatient and outpatient programs are available.
How Can Drug Abuse Hotlines Help?
Most of the addiction helplines are available 24/7 and are involves staffs with people with ultimate goal to treat the addiction patients and indirectly help their families and friends by giving their friends back to them.
Calls made to drug abuse helplines are anonymous and do not require those who call to provide any personal information. Reputable hotlines ensure that their staff is trained to be supportive and empathetic, not judgmental or uncaring.
Drug-Specific Hotlines: Addiction Treatment For Any Substance
Substance abuse and alcohol addiction hotlines are resource centers for information on drug and alcohol addiction. These helplines can provide information with a wide range of facilities regarding specific substances. Substances which are commonly asked about include:
- Alcohol
- Benzodiazepines
- Cocaine
- Heroin
- Prescription Opioids (Oxycontin, Vicodin)
- Marijuana
- Prescription Stimulants
- PCP
- Steroids
- Tobacco
Is It Time To Call A Substance Abuse Hotline?
It is common for individuals who suffer from drug addiction to be blinded by the condition. They may be in denial about their situation or have a false sense of control over their drug use. Denying is a serious problem that can force an individual to avoid realizing the problem.
Don’t wait. Get help now.
Call to be connected with an addiction treatment specialist.
(802) 231-1018
Each and every person are unique and so do their experiences. Their experiences in drug abuse also vary from each other. Some feel it as a disease and some as a mental problem. In general, here are some behaviors that indicate someone has become dependent on drugs and should look into calling a drug abuse helpline:
- the individual is not able to stop using the drug on their own
- they are isolating themselves more than usual
- a majority of their time is spent obtaining, using, or recovering from substance use
- they are keeping odd hours and sleeping at strange times
- fail to meet or maintain responsibilities at work, home, or school
- they lose interest in their favorite activities
- exhibit increased tolerance to the drug in question
- they have trouble maintaining healthy relationships
- when they miss a dose, they experience withdrawal symptoms
- they engage in activities which are not legitimate to obtain excess of the drugs
These are only some indications that someone could be abusing substances, but this is not a complete list. There are many other potential signs of drug abuse and addiction.
If you suspect that someone you care about is misusing drugs because they have had significant behavioral changes recently, a helpline can help determine what steps to take next.
Drug Abuse Helplines Are For Concerned Loved Ones Too
Most of the people might get benefits through the helpline offers. They also can approach a hotline when they are not sure about your addiction. If you have doubts about a family member or friend using drugs and alcohol, it will be a helpful hand in showing them their ways to recover.
Substance abuse helplines are available 24/7 and there is nothing to lose by calling. It is common to feel nervous or afraid to call. Substance abuse is a very personal topic that can bring up a lot of different emotions.
Know that the person on the other end of the line is there to assist you in any way they can. Their job is to make sure all of your questions are answered and to provide potentially life-changing information.
What Can We Expect When Calling An Addiction Hotline
Once you’ve dialed the number, a trained professional will answer. Typically, they will ask for your first name and the reason for your call first. In some cases, hotline staff may ask for your zip code to refer you to drug addiction resources in your area.
After that, it is entirely up to you. You can feel free to talk to the experts since the information is maintained confidential. This phone call is a judgment-free zone. There are no stupid questions.
Information on which that drug abuse hotlines provide include:
- signs and symptoms of substance abuse
- treatment options
- how to help a loved one
- inpatient treatment programs
- outpatient treatment clinics
- local support groups
- how to choose a treatment center
- drug abuse prevention
If you are calling to find out more information on specific treatment options, be sure to have your health insurance information at ready. One of the biggest reasons people don’t seek addiction treatment is because they think they cannot afford it. The benefits provided by health insurance companies may benefit the person undertaking the treatment.
Reputable drug and alcohol treatment centers also want to provide treatment to those who need it and may offer financing options or income-based sliding scale fees to help offset any remaining cost not covered by insurance.
Is Health Insurance Necessary To Call A Drug Abuse Hotline?
These hotlines are toll-free referral services, so it is important to call the health insurance companies. If you currently do not have insurance or are under insured, most hotlines will refer you to state-funded treatment programs.
In addition to state-funded treatment options, you may also ask for referrals to treatment facilities that offer sliding fee scales or accept Medicare or Medicaid insurance options. If you do carry a private insurance policy, it is best to contact them directly for a list of nearby healthcare providers and treatment facilities.
Are Drug Abuse Hotlines Confidential?
Most of the drug and alcohol addiction centers provide 100 percent confidential service. Trained information specialists answer calls, provide information, and transfer calls to the appropriate state-specific intake centers.
In most cases, the information specialist will state at the beginning of the call that the information shared will be completely confidential. The more comfortable you are during your call, the more you are likely to get the information you need.
Drug Abuse Helplines: Questions To Ask When Calling
Often individuals who abuse or are addicted to drugs can have many questions about their condition but still be unsure what to ask when they call a drug abuse hotline.
Here are some questions to consider when calling a helpline:
- What are the next steps in my process?
- What happens once I enroll in rehab?
- Does my health insurance cover addiction treatment? How can I find out?
- Is it necessary for me to enroll in a detox program?
- Are there medications for [blank] addiction?
- Is there a recovery center near me?
Recommended Drug Abuse Helplines
Identifying Attempting to locate appropriate addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one can seem daunting. This is especially true when trying to identify a program that can be tailored to an individual’s specific needs. However, there are many resources to help you along the way.
Addiction can be overcome. Start your recovery process with a phone call.
Substance Abuse And Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
1-800-662-HELP (4357)
1-800-487-4889 (TDD) for the hearing impaired
- free and confidential service 24/7, 365-days-a-year.
- treatment referral and information services, in English and Spanish,) on an individual basis and to families who are affected by substance use disorders and mental health issues.
- referrals to support groups, and service organizations. People making calls can also order free publications.
The Partnership At Drugfree.Org
1-855-378-4373
- a toll-free drug abuse helpline for parents.
- free resources for helping teen drug abuse and addiction for parents, which can help them prevent and help in their children’s drug use.
- find local addiction recovery options for a child who needs it.
National Council On Alcoholism And Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)
1 (800) NCA-CALL (622-2255)
- alcohol-specific abuse information.
- referrals to many around the country that can help with alcoholism and drug addiction problem.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
1-800-273-TALK (8255)
On providing suicide prevention services, this hotline also provides information on substance abuse and alcoholism, and how to connect with a local professional addiction treatment.
Additional Resources
The National Alliance On Mental Illness And Mental Health America
These two nonprofit organizations have partnered to provide self-help support groups for assisting and diagnosing mentally affected people. Both organizations offer State and local affiliates throughout the country that may be especially helpful for people with co-occurring substance and mental health disorders.
Faces & Voices Of Recovery
This is an advocacy organization for people who are participating in long-term recovery that works to reach out to medical, public health, criminal justice, and other communities to promote and celebrate recovery from substance abuse and addiction.