The National Drug Hotline at (844) 289-0879is available 24/7 throughout the year. You can call for yourself or your loved one. Seeking help for yourself or a friend or family member can make a big difference.

Why should I call the hotline?

According to SAMHSA, approximately 20 million people in the United States met the criteria for a diagnosis of substance use disorder (SUD) in 2018. [1] Many people affected with SUD try to quit on their own. While some are successful, many fail to achieve long-term abstinence. That’s where the call to Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879 comes to help. Studies have shown that long-term drug addiction leads to mental changes that persist long after the person has stopped using drugs. These changes have many social consequences, including the inability to control the desire to use drugs despite the negative consequences—which is typical of drug addiction.

Psychological stress at work, family problems, mental illness, health problems, and tangible sensations like smell or taste related to drugs can lead to extreme cravings. The patient does not realize that there is a possibility of falling back under the influence of drugs. Any of these factors can interfere with accomplishing abstinence and increase the likelihood of relapse. In any case, research has shown that a determined interest in treatment is a significant factor in achieving the best recovery and can benefit even the most seriously addicted people.

What questions can the hotline answer?

When you call Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879, there are many queries a helpline operator can help you with. You should know that drug addiction can harm you, your friends, and your family. Whatever your situation, help is at hand. Call the drug addiction hotline to get important information and answers to your questions without fear of judgment. Some of the questions that can be answered by calling the drug addiction hotline include:

answering phones in call center
  • How do I get to know more about a friend or family member’s drug addiction?
  • How does drug addiction affect my health?
  • What are the signs of a drug overdose?
  • Does my insurance cover treatment for drug addiction?
  • Is there free or easy treatment available for drug addiction?
  • How can I help young people avoid drug addiction?
  • Where can I get emotional support for my recovery?

Hotline operators are also available 24/7 to answer questions other than those listed above. You can call the drug addiction hotline without fear of being judged.

What happens when I make the call?

Hotline operators can answer all of your addiction-related queries and propose a treatment plan only if you are ready to make a change. Conversation topics may include:

  • Treatment alternatives
  • Supporting an affected friend or family member
  • Inpatient facilities
  • Outpatient options
  • Treatment costs

When you call the hotline, you will be asked questions ranging from symptoms of addiction to how to find a rehab center near you. The hotline operator might also ask you questions about your insurance. Not all treatment programs are suitable for everyone, because everyone has different needs. You can get all the information you need when you call Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879. The helpline is here 24/7 to help you.

When is the right time to call a drug helpline?

You can call Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879 any time of the day. It is an easy-to-use service for people who want to talk to someone who can help with their drug addiction.

Can I call on behalf of a friend or family member?

Yes, you can. The helpline provides confidential help and advice without judgment or criticism. You will find trusted advisers who will answer any question and help your friend or family member start on the road to recovery and a better tomorrow.

Is my call confidential?

Yes, a call to the National Drug Hotline at (844) 289-0879 is entirely confidential.

How much does it cost to call the helpline?

When you call (844) 289-0879, it is free of charge. In addition, the information is provided entirely free of charge. You do not need to have health insurance to call the drug addiction hotline. However, if you decide to get treatment for drugs, you will have to pay for it (to the extent not covered by insurance).

What kind of questions should I prepare to be asked?

The questions can vary from patient to patient, but the most common questions are:

  • Do you have any other physical or mental health problems?
  • Have you ever sought treatment for drug addiction?
  • Are you willing to be treated for drug addiction?
  • Have you opened up to friends and family about your drug use?

What questions should I ask the operator?

When you call the National Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879, no questions are off limits. You can ask for information without fear of judgment, blame, or concern about legal or personal outcomes. Questions that hotline operators can help you with include:

  • The dangers of drug addiction and abuse, including the potential for frequent overuse
  • Treatment options for the drug in question, such as inpatient and outpatient
  • Potential costs of treatment
  • Availability of treatment centers

What addiction treatments are available for those in need?

  • Behavioral counseling: A wide variety of behavioral treatments such as CBT (cognitive behavior treatment), DBT (dialectical-behavioral therapy), and contingency management are shown to be effective in treating addiction. This treatment method is used in in-person and social therapeutic environments and inpatient or outpatient rehabilitation. This treatment supports patients who want to recover from drug addiction or who show a tendency towards relapsing.
  • Detox: According to the US National Institute on Drug Abuse, detoxification is a way to rid the body of drugs while avoiding the side effects of withdrawal. There are two main types of detoxification. In some cases, medication is recommended to detoxify the drug gradually. Others use a “conventional” approach (“pure and simple” detoxification).
  • Treatment: Treatment aims to distinguish between the physiological causes and behaviors that led to drug addiction and often involves individual therapy, group counseling, and psychological treatment.
  • Aftercare: To avoid withdrawal symptoms, effective treatment of drug addiction does not end when you leave treatment.

There are many treatment programs across the country, so you will need to consider various factors when choosing the right treatment program for you. When deciding on a treatment program, you will need to consider multiple factors, including:

  • Location
  • Facility
  • Acceptable insurance coverage
  • Level of care
  • Period of treatment

What are the costs of drug addiction treatment?

Drug abuse costs the U.S. over $600 billion a year, and treatment can help reduce these costs. [2] Treatments are often unique to certain addiction disorders. The cost of recovery is affected by many different variables, from clinical concerns to availability. More information on pricing is available here.

If you are worried that you may not manage the cost of drug treatment, call the National Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879 to know more about your payment options. In the U.S., some substance abuse treatment programs may be covered by insurance. If you have health insurance, call the helpline to find out if it can cover your treatment costs and to what extent.

Do I have to start treatment after I call the helpline?

No, you do not have to start treatment after calling the helpline. When you call the National Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879 and ask for information about drug addiction, you have taken a consequential step.

Calling the National Drug Helpline can provide you with clear answers. You can better understand how drugs affect you and your family and how much treatment costs.

Last updated: March 8, 2023

References

References
1 Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States. Results from the 2018 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. Available online. Accessed on May 15, 2021.
2 Elinore McCance-Katz. The National Survey on Drug Use and Health: 2019. SAMHSA. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt29392/Assistant-Secretary-nsduh2019_presentation/Assistant-Secretary-nsduh2019_presentation.pdf. Updated September 2020. Accessed May 15, 2021.