Opioid Abuse Hotlines – 100% Confidential – 24/7

Published on October 10, 2018

Every day, more than 115 Americans die from an opioid overdose. The opioids are a board class of drugs that includes prescription pain relievers, heroin, and synthetic opioids like fentanyl. Individuals who struggle with opioid abuse can dial opioid abuse hotlines for information on their condition and how to access treatment.

Opioid abuse hotlines are usually a confidential toll-free number that offers free information related to opioid abuse and addiction, as well as various treatment options. Most opioid abuse hotlines are available to call all day, every day and are staffed with highly trained individuals.

Concerned loved ones or individuals who struggle with opioid abuse can call opioid helplines for information on the following:

• signs and symptoms of opioid abuse and addiction
• available treatment options
• how to best help a loved one
• inpatient/outpatient programs
• local opioid support groups
• how to choose an opioid abuse treatment
• opioid abuse prevention

Opioid Abuse Hotlines: Is It Time To Call?

Many people who abuse opioids start by first abusing a prescription for a legitimate medical purpose. It can be difficult to tell there is a problem when the medication is coming from a physician but these medications are highly addictive and anyone can end up abusing them.

Commonly abused opioid medications include:

• OxyContin (oxycodone)
• Vicodin (hydrocodone)
• heroin
• fentanyl

With no immediate threat to life, calling an opioid abuse hotline can be a good first step to getting the information you need.

Signs someone is abusing opioids can include:

• nodding off in the middle of a sentence
• appearing intoxicated
• slow reflexes
• slurred speech
• nausea and vomiting
• dangerously depressed breathing rates
• severe itchiness

Depending on which opioid is being abused and in what manner (smoking, injecting or snorting) individuals can experience various side effects. Someone who injects opioids may suffer from collapsed veins, or infection of the lining of the heart muscle, for example.

Opioid medications obtained off the street or from another illegal source may also have additives that can make the drug dangerous. These additives can clog blood vessels cause infections in the lungs and may be very toxic to the body.

If someone is exhibiting some or all of the above symptoms, it is likely they are struggling with opioid abuse and could benefit from calling a helpline.

Opioid Abuse Hotline: What To Expect When Calling

Calling an opioid abuse line is a great way to get help if you don’t know where to start because this service is 100 percent confidential and virtually always available. Although each line may operate a little differently, they all share the same goal of wanting to help people who struggle with opioid abuse.

After establishing that there is not a medical emergency, helpline staff will usually proceed by asking for your first name the reason for your call. This gets the conversation started. If you are someone looking for information on treatment options, helpline staff may also ask for your postal code, to be able to refer you to local and relevant treatment services.

Opioid Abuse Hotline: What To Ask About When Calling

It is normal to feel anxious about calling a drug abuse hotline. Many people may know that they are in need of help but be unsure of how to move forward. Opioid abuse hotlines are designed to help in these types of situations because there is little risk to the caller.

Some questions to consider when calling an opioid abuse hotline may include:

• Is the person struggling with opioid abuse in a position to cause harm to themselves or others?
• Is the individual abusing other substances or suffering from a co-occurring mental health disorder?
• What types of treatments work best for opioid addiction?
• Will my health insurance cover opioid abuse treatment? How can I find out?

Recommended Opioid Abuse Hotlines

When someone is struggling with opioid abuse, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Start on the path to recovery today 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 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 addiction treatment options for a child who needs it

drugfree.org

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

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