Alcohol Addiction Hotline

Modern society in the United States (and many other places around the world) has made drinking alcohol a socially acceptable activity. The consumption of alcohol has been normalized and is considered an integral part of celebrations and socializing.

But what many people don’t know is that alcohol is highly addictive and dangerous, with far-reaching harmful effects. Not only does drinking alcohol pose health risks to the person who is drinking excessively, alcohol use disorders can also have severe consequences for the drinker’s family and friends.

Between 2019 and 2020, deaths related to alcohol use in the US increased from 79,000 to over 99,000 a year, representing a 25% increase. ^[1]

Don’t wait until alcohol becomes a tragedy for your family. If you or someone you love is drinking excessively, they may have an alcohol use disorder. Call the alcohol hotline and receive the support, guidance, and resources you need to get sober.

What is an Alcohol Helpline?

The National Drug Helpline (844) 289-0879^ℹ is a toll-free telephone number that you can call around the clock to get free information about alcohol use and addiction.

Our helpline provides guidance, advice, and support as well as access to resources in your community. The services of our alcohol helpline are available to individuals and families battling alcohol use disorders. You can get answers to all your questions about alcohol use and addiction. If you are unsure whether you or a loved one has an alcohol use disorder, you can learn about the warning signs and symptoms by calling us. We also provide information about treatment options in your community, including inpatient and outpatient alcohol rehab programs.

Calls to our alcohol helpline are completely free of cost. You do not need health insurance to talk to us. In addition, all calls are completely private and confidential. You can even choose to remain anonymous if you want.

If you or someone you love is struggling with problematic or excessive drinking, calling an alcohol hotline can help you understand your options and decide on your next steps. Most alcohol hotlines, including ours, operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Make the call at whatever time is convenient for you and speak to knowledgeable and helpful advisors for support and guidance without judgment or reprimand.

What Questions Can I Ask an Alcohol Hotline?

It’s common to have questions about alcohol use disorder and its treatment. However, because of the stigma attached to this condition, many people are hesitant to talk to friends and family or ask for help. Calling our alcohol hotline can give you the answers to all your questions related to alcohol use and addiction. We will answer your queries without judgment, so don’t hesitate to call.

It’s a good idea to make a list of all the questions on your mind before you call. If you’re not sure what to ask, here are some of the things people commonly talk about with our advisors:

• Do I qualify as a social drinker, or do I have a problem with alcohol?
• How can I tell if my friend or family member has an alcohol use disorder?
• What effects can excessive drinking have on my health?
• What precautions can I take to prevent alcohol poisoning?
• Are there any good alcohol rehab programs near me?
• Will my insurance cover treatment for alcohol use disorder?
• Are there any free resources in my community for people recovering from an alcohol use disorder?
• Does treatment for alcohol use disorder work?
• How can I prevent my teenager from drinking?

No question is taboo. Call and ask whatever is on your mind. The alcohol hotline is your opportunity to find out what you don’t know about alcohol and what you can do to change unhealthy drinking habits.

Alcohol Hotlines

First, a word of caution—alcohol hotlines are not meant for emergencies. If you or a loved one is in a life-threatening situation, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. In non-emergency situations, you can call the following alcohol hotlines for information and support:

National Drug Helpline: (844) 289-0879^ℹ

The National Drug Helpline is a 24/7 alcohol helpline where you can get information about alcohol use disorder and alcohol rehab. This hotline operates around the clock, but your call may occasionally go unanswered due to high call volumes or staff shortage. Please call back another time or call one of the other hotlines listed below.

Alcoholics Anonymous 1-212-870-3400

Find out more about the AA program or fellowship by calling the Alcoholics Anonymous number.

Alcohol Hotline for IAFF Members 1-866-965-3074

The alcohol hotline is in place to support firefighters and paramedics who are having issues with alcohol. It is for IAFF members and their family and friends.

SAMHSA: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

The SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) helpline is a U.S. government initiative. This hotline gives you access to nationwide resources for alcohol use disorder treatment, including information and referrals to rehabs near you. The SAMHSA helpline is available 24/7 and offers services in both English and Spanish.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

This is a national helpline for people in emotional distress with suicidal thoughts. Calls to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline are free and confidential. The hotline operates 24/7.

National Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222

The U.S. Poison Control helpline provides information about the prevention and treatment of drug overdoses, including alcohol poisoning.

Options for Alcohol Use Disorder Treatment

Fortunately, however severe or longstanding the alcohol problem, most people can benefit from some type of treatment. There is a wide range of treatment options for alcohol use disorder available to you, from 12-step programs to inpatient rehab lasting several weeks. The main types of addiction treatments offered to people with alcohol use disorder include: ^[2]

• Behavioral therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and motivational enhancement can help you change drinking behaviors through counseling.
• Marital and family counseling can help families struggling with the effects of alcohol abuse.
• Medications can offset some of the changes caused by alcohol in the brain, reduce heavy drinking, and make it easier for you to remain sober.
• Peer support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous and other 12-step programs can help you cut back or quit drinking through support from others who have faced similar challenges.

Each person struggling with an alcohol use disorder is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all alcohol treatment plan that works for everyone. Understanding your treatment options is an important first step in getting the help you need. If you would like to learn more about alcohol treatment options near you, call Drug Helpline on (844) 289-0879^ℹ .

Signs of Problematic Drinking

The medical term alcohol use disorder refers to what is commonly known as alcoholism. If you’re wondering whether you have an alcohol use disorder, ask yourself the following questions. If your answer is yes to two or more of the questions, it is a cause for concern.

• Do you frequently end up drinking more or for a longer time than you intended?
• Have to tried to cut down drinking, without success?
• Do you spend a lot of time drinking or recovering from the aftereffects (e.g., hangover)?
• Do you experience strong cravings for alcohol?
• Has drinking caused you to neglect responsibilities at home or at work?
• Have you given up previously enjoyed hobbies and activities to drink?
• Has drinking put you in unsafe situations, for example, drinking and driving or having unsafe sex?
• Are you experiencing health problems or psychological problems (e.g., anxiety, depression) that are caused or worsened by drinking, but you continue to drink anyway?
• Has drinking caused you to have problems with your family or friends?
• Do you need more drinks than before to get the same effects?
• Have you experienced withdrawal symptoms (e.g., trouble sleeping, shakiness, racing heart) when the effects of alcohol are wearing off?

The more questions you answered yes to, the more urgent is the need to get help. If any or most of the above sounds like your situation, your drinking may be excessive and you should seek immediate help by calling our alcohol hotline.

Cost of Alcohol Addiction Treatment

One of the biggest barriers that people face to seeking alcoholism treatment is the cost of rehab. Various factors affect how much recovery from an alcohol use disorder is going to cost. Some of these variables are listed below.

Insurance: Most insurance carriers cover treatment for alcohol use disorders, at least partially. Call the National Drug Helpline to find out whether your insurance plan covers treatment for alcohol abuse.

Type of treatment: Inpatient (residential) programs are significantly more expensive compared to outpatient rehab. Prices are often $1,400–$10,000 for outpatient versus $5,000–$80,000 for residential treatment. You can learn about the different alcohol treatment options available in your area by calling the National Drug Helpline on (844) 289-0879^ℹ .

Private pay: If you don’t have insurance, there are several options for financial assistance such as grants, scholarships, sliding scale, and deferred payment plans.

Can I Call an Alcohol Hotline for a Loved One?

Yes, alcohol hotlines like the National Drug Helpline provide information and guidance to family members, friends, and colleagues of people struggling with alcoholism. You can call the hotline for a loved one and get the guidance and support you need to help someone you love achieve sobriety.

Do I Have to Start Treatment After I Call an Alcohol Helpline?

You are under no obligation to start treatment after you call an alcohol helpline. Remember, the first step towards sobriety is often the hardest. When you call the National Drug Helpline at (844) 289-0879^ℹ for information about alcohol use and addiction, you have already overcome the first hurdle.

If you are unsure about what to do next, calling the National Drug Helpline might give you some clarity without any obligation to begin rehab. You’ll better understand how alcohol is harming you and your family. You’ll also gain access to alcohol use disorder recovery resources in your area. In addition, you’ll get an estimate of the cost of treatment and insurance coverage. Last but not least, you’ll be directed to the most effective programs and the best alcohol rehabs nearby. But ultimately, the decision to start treatment now or later will be yours.

Alcohol use disorder takes a heavy toll not only on the affected person but also their loved ones. It can be an overwhelming challenge for families to deal with. But help is at hand. The National Drug Helpline can be your first step towards a better future. Call today to get valuable information and answers to all your questions, without fear of judgment or reprimand. Compassionate, helpful, and knowledgeable advisors are waiting to help you 24/7 on the alcohol hotline (844) 289-0879^ℹ .

Last updated: February 28, 2024