Alcohol Abuse Hotlines – 100% Confidential – 24/7

Published on October 5, 2018

Alcohol abuse is a common issue in the United States. Alcohol abuse hotlines can be helpful to those struggling with alcohol abuse or their loved ones. Calls made to alcohol abuse hotlines are 100 percent confidential. Helpline staff is specifically trained to help people find the resources they need.

What Services Do Alcohol Abuse Hotlines Provide?

Alcohol abuse hotlines are typically toll-free phone numbers that offer easy access to information regarding alcohol abuse and treatment options. When calling an alcohol abuse hotline, individuals can obtain information about how to identify an alcohol abuse problem, what withdrawal symptoms may look like, and how to proceed and find treatment.

Helplines dedicated to alcohol abuse and usually available seven days a week 24 hours a day. Depending on whom the hotline is operated by, they may assist at many different levels. Some may offer more general information on the signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse. Others may provide more intervention-based services that put the caller in touch with local treatment services.

Alcohol Abuse Helplines: How To Know When It’s Time To Call

Many people who suffer from alcohol abuse may wonder if their problem requires professional attention. Alcohol abuse hotlines can help individuals figure out if they need professional addiction treatment and where to get it.

Signs of an alcohol abuse problem, include:

• elevated tolerance to the effects of alcohol
• experiencing alcohol withdrawal symptoms when alcohol consumption is stopped
• using more alcohol than planned
• attempting to stop drinking alcohol but not succeeding
• loss of interest or no longer participating in activities that were once enjoyable
• continued alcohol use despite negative consequences

It is not necessary to meet all of the above criteria for an alcohol problem. If you think that you or a loved one has an issue, and could use the help of a formal addiction treatment program, calling an alcohol abuse helpline is a significant first step.

Questions To Ask When Calling An Alcohol Abuse Hotline

It’s natural to want to call but be unsure what to ask. Here are some questions to consider when calling an alcohol abuse hotline:

• What resources are in my area?
• How do I identify an alcohol abuse problem?
• Will my health insurance pay for treatment?
• How can I find a reputable treatment center?
• What does alcohol treatment entail?

Although this is not a comprehensive list of what you can ask, it’s an excellent place to start. It never hurts to take a minute or two to gather your thoughts before calling, to ensure you get all the information you need.

What To Expect When Calling An Alcohol Abuse Helpline

After dialing the toll-free number, trained staff will answer your call and answer any questions and address any concerns. Usually, helpline staff will begin the call by asking for your name and the reason for your call. If you are interested in local treatment options, they may also ask for your zip code to find local treatment options relevant to your needs.

Calling An Alcohol Abuse Helpline: Is Health Insurance Necessary?

Alcohol abuse hotlines offer free services, so there is no need to have an existing health insurance plan before calling. If looking for alcohol abuse or addiction treatment options, it can be helpful to have insurance information available.

One of the biggest things that keep individuals from getting the addiction treatment they need is that they think they cannot afford it. However, more and more private insurance policies are covering some to all of addiction treatment costs.

Additionally, people who are without insurance or are underinsured, can get treatment at a state-funded facility or work with a private treatment program that offers income-based or sliding scale fees.

Recommended National Alcohol Abuse Hotlines

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.

National Council On Alcoholism And Drug Dependence, Inc. (NCADD)

1 (800) NCA-CALL (622-2255)

• alcohol-specific abuse information.
• referrals to many affiliate programs around the country that can help with substance abuse issues.

www.ncadd.org

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 local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Individuals who call this service can also order free publications and other information.

www.samhsa.gov

The Partnership At Drugfree.Org

1-855-378-4373

• a toll-free drug abuse helpline for parents.
• free information and resources on teen drug use and addiction for parents, which can help them prevent and intervene in their children’s drug use.
• find local alcohol addiction treatment options for a child who needs it.

drugfree.org

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-TALK (8255)

• In addition to providing suicide prevention services, this hotline also provides information on drug and alcohol abuse, and how to connect with nearby professional addiction treatment.

suicidepreventionlifeline.org

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 individuals and families dealing with a variety of mental health disorders. 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.

www.nami.org

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.

facesandvoicesofrecovery.org