Alcohol & Drug Addiction Hotline | 24/7 Drug Addiction Helpline

Calling a hotline can make you feel…well, really bad. We know this. Learn more about what you can expect when you call a helpline for drug problems in this article. We’ll reveal what you can expect…and how to prepare. More here.

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Should I Call a Drug Addiction Hotline?

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Call us for REAL help with drug addiction.

We are at your disposal 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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Medical professionals understand that addiction is treatable. More here on how can drug helplines assist you with these issues. In this article we cover the following topics:

  • Who you’ll be speaking with on the hotline.
  • What information is required from you.
  • What  information you will receive.
  • What happens after you finish the conversation.

We understand that opening up about your substance abuse addiction can be uncomfortable. In fact, the professionals on the other end of the phone are understanding and compassionate. They won’t judge or criticize you. The next call you make can create a better and healthier future! Where does it all start? By admitting that you have a problem.

When Should I Call a Drug Addiction Hotline?

Q: When do most people seek help?

A: When they’re ready to admit that they have a problem with drugs.

What Are the main Signs and Symptoms of a Substance Abuse Disorder?

Drug addiction indicators usually manifest by physical and behavioral symptoms. One way to find out whether you are addicted to drugs or not is to pay a closer attention to what’s important to you. Where do you spend your time? With who? Doing what? Additionally, the way you communicate with people or the way you feel can be signals of a problem. The following symptoms may help you determine the presence of a substance abuse issue:

Physical signs of drug abuse:

  • bad physical appearance
  • bloodshot eyes
  • dilated pupils
  • drastic weight variation (weight loss or weight gain)
  • lack of personal hygiene
  • slurred speech
  • tremors

Behavioral signs of drug addiction include:

  • acting secretive and suspicious
  • borrowing or stealing money to buy drugs
  • changes in friends and hobbies
  • drop in attendance and performance at work or school
  • financial problems
  • frequent mood swings (irritated, angry or violent)
  • inability to stop because of intensive cravings
  • isolation
  • lack of focus and concentration
  • lack of motivation and lethargy
  • neglecting responsibilities
  • physical dependence and tolerance
  • sudden changes in personality

Dial today and learn how to get rid of a drug addiction for good!

How Do You Screen For Substance Use Disorder?

Q: Still unsure whether you have an addiction problem or not?

A: Try answering the CAGE questionnaire.

This self-evaluation (used by medical practitioners) consists of 4 direct questions designed to help determine the presence of substance addiction.

  1. Have you ever thought you should Cut down your drug use?
  2. Have you ever felt Annoyed when people have commented about your using?
  3. Have you ever felt Guilty or badly about your using?
  4. Have you ever used drugs to Ease withdrawal symptoms, or to avoid feeling low after using?

If you scored 1, there is a 75% chance you’re addicted.

If you scored 2, there is an 85% chance you’re addicted.

If you scored 3, there is a 99% chance you’re addicted.

If you scored 4, there is a 100% chance you’re addicted.

Do NOT feel stigmatized if you find out you are addicted. You are not the only person facing this kind of struggle. Statistics on addiction report that 23.5 million Americans can be diagnosed with a Substance Use Disorder. The most effect way out of the cycle is to find a treatment program that is right for you. Addiction experts can then guide you through the process of recovery.

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

 

Top 5 Drug Addiction Hotline and Drug Abuse Helplines

DRUG HOTLINE 1. Call us to access a trusted drug addiction helpline. Supportive and understanding staff will answer all your questions and can help describe different types of treatment programs. They’ll help you find a treatment center that meets your requirements and budget.

DRUG HOTLINE 2. In cases of drug poisoning immediately call The Poison Control Help Line at 1-800-222-1222.

But if the person is unconscious and has trouble breathing CALL 911 FOR HELP right away!

Drug intoxication can be reversed with the timely administration of medicines. After you make the call tell the exact location where you and the overdosing person are (such as the name of the street, floor, room, or outside the building/house). Try to keep any noises low. When the paramedics arrive, tell them what you know about the drugs taken: dose, administration, or mixing substances.

DRUG HOTLINE 3. Whenever you face difficulties in overcoming drug addiction on your own, call Narcotics Anonymous hotlines and helplines 1-888-328-2518. They can provide information and referral to substance abuse treatment agencies statewide.

DRUG HOTLINE 4. If you or a family member is facing substance use disorders problems call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This free and confidential treatment referral is available 24-hours a-day and will give you referrals to your local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.

DRUG HOTLINE 5. In case you, or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts as a result of excessive drug consumption or during withdrawal call 1-800-273-8255 The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. There is a whole network of local crisis centers that provide free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The people you’ll speak with will help you raise your awareness about your addiction and your life.

How To Prepare for a Drug Abuse Hotline Call?

Calling a hotline requires honesty. Addiction usually comes with lies and denial. If you want to break this cycle you need to:

  • tell the truth about your drug use
  • be honest about problems that the drug abuse is causing you
  • be honest about the length and the severity of the addiction

Here is some information you might find useful when you decide to call 1-888-498-1045 for help with your or someone else’s drug addiction.

COST – Do drug helplines charge money for the conversation?

No. The majority of drug helplines are free and do not require any payment.

ANONYMITY – Are drug hotline confidential?

Yes. The conversation won’t be recorded (unless it is for customer service purposes) and your personal information won’t be taken. You may be asked to provide your postal code. But this information is required only to refer you to the drug addiction recovery services in your community.

WHO’S ON THE OTHER END – What are staff on drug helplines like?

People who answer the phone on helplines are:

  • kind
  • nonjudgmental
  • polite
  • supportive

The person will listen, offer strategies, and give you information about drug addiction services in your community. The people you’ll be speaking with are experts who can quickly access health services database and provide you with information about drug addiction programs and services in your area….or outside your area.

CALL CONVERSATION – What does a usual conversation look like?

When calling a drug helpline expect to go over the following:

  • your drug-of-choice
  • your drug use history (frequency, amount, total time using)
  • basic education about addiction services
  • options for length of treatment, cost, health insurance coverage

What Happens After a Drug Addiction Hotline Call?

After you hang up the phone you’ll need to make a decision: Are you going to take action towards dealing with your addiction, or not?

This usually means choosing a treatment program that can be either inpatient or outpatient. Both can help you achieve long term sobriety. Here’s what you can expect next.

THE FIRST PHASE OF TREATMENT: Initial Evaluation and Assessment

The initial evaluation is needed for doctors and counselors to discover more about you, your drug addiction issue, and your overall physical and mental health. This way, they can easily make a program which best suits your requirements and needs. An individualized treatment plan is often based on an initial intake form, interview, and drug test that take 1-2 hours to complete.

THE SECOND PHASE OF TREATMENT: Going through a medically supervised detox

After receiving a treatment plan, you’ll need to remove drugs from your system and continue to work on the psychological issues behind your addiction. Detox is safely and most successfully supervised by medical personnel at detox clinics. Professionals are trained to assist you in case of any complications or discomfort during withdrawal. They can also help supervise the prescription of medications to address symptoms of withdrawal as they occur.

THE THIRD PHASE OF TREATMENT: Medication therapy and counseling

Successful drug addiction treatment blends therapy with prescription medication. Depending on the type of drug addiction you’re facing, you may receive appropriate medication to help you deal with emotional and psychological difficulties. During your residential stay you’ll work with a psychiatrist and/or psychologist to resolve issues connected with the root cause of your drug use. Additionally, you’ll learn to deal with cravings and identify your individual triggers. After your finish your 30-60-90 DAY drug addiction program you and your counselor will develop an aftercare plan in order to avoid relapse.

Who Should Call a Substance or Drug Abuse Hotline?

If you have someone that you care about and suspect that they have a drug addiction problem CALL 1-888-498-1045. A hotline can provide you with the knowledge necessary to approach, deal with, and get your loved one the treatment they need. Addiction treatment works!

It is important to be prepared before you call a helpline for a loved one. Here is a list of some information helpline staff may ask from you:

  • Which substance/drug does the person abuse?
  • How long do you suspect they have been using? How long they’ve been showing signs of addiction?
  • What type of health insurance do they have?
  • Does their health insurance cover treatment at HMO or PPO insurance rehab centers?
  • How much can they afford to pay for treatment?
  • Could you (and/or other close family members) help them out financially?
  • Does the addicted individual suffer from any mental, behavioral, or co-occurring disorders?

Call Drug Addiction Hotline Now To Get Treatment

Far too many people have suffered the devastating impact of drug addiction and far too few have the tools to deal with this disease. Addiction treatment can help you!

Call us to get a better understanding of your condition, find appropriate treatment and get rid of drugs once and for all.

About the author
Lee Weber is a published author, medical writer, and woman in long-term recovery from addiction. Her latest book, The Definitive Guide to Addiction Interventions is set to reach university bookstores in early 2019.
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