
24-Hour Helpline Numbers for Prescription Drugs Abuse and Addiction
What to expect when you call our prescription drug addiction helpline
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24-Hour Prescription Drug Abuse & Addiction Hotline Numbers
Prescription drugs might be beneficial for people with ailments such as depression, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as sleep disorders. However, when abused, they can severely harm an individual’s well-being. People constantly abusing various prescription drugs, such as benzodiazepines, stimulants, and opioid painkillers, are at risk of developing addiction and substance use disorder (SUD).1
Between the years 2017 and 2019, 14,139 people died from prescription opioid overdose. Around 52 million US residents over the age of 12 have used prescription drugs non-medically in their lifetime. Consequently, an increased number of prescription drug misuse leads to an increased number of calls to the substance abuse helplines – specifically, to prescription drug abuse hotlines.2,3
What Is a Prescription Drug Hotline Number?
Prescription drug hotlines might be the first step toward treatment for SUD. People who are struggling with the abuse of prescription drugs often require detox and professional treatment, but don’t know where to start. Drug addiction help hotlines can provide users with the information they need for starting a new life.1,4
Most addiction hotlines numbers are available 24/7/365. In other words, you can call them at any time of the day, even on weekends and national holidays. They work the same way as drug and alcohol abuse and addiction hotlines, but they are specialized to provide support and guidance for individuals struggling with the misuse of prescription drugs.4
When you call the number to get prescription drug abuse help, the professional dispatchers can help you get the addiction resources you need. They should explain what addiction treatment programs are available and what might be the best next step for someone in your specific situation. If you are calling for a loved one, they will explain what you can do to help.4
Should I Call a Prescription Drug Addiction Hotline Number?
If you worry you or your loved one might be abusing prescription drugs, you should call a substance abuse hotline. It doesn’t matter if you are a parent, family member, friend, or acquaintance of the person who might be in trouble. Even the individuals themselves can make a call. If you aren’t certain whether you or your loved one is ready to start treatment, don’t worry. There is no obligation to enter treatment if this isn’t what you want.4
However, keep in mind that these hotlines aren’t meant to provide urgent help. If you or a loved one are in a situation that’s life-threatening, you should call 911 immediately.
Is the Conversation Confidential When I Call a Prescription Drug Helpline?
All substance abuse helplines are entirely confidential and private. They will provide helpful information to all struggling individuals, and your identity will be fully protected, no matter the reason behind your call. Prescription drug hotlines are private phone calls that offer you a unique chance to talk to caring and understanding dispatchers and ask them questions about prescription drug abuse.4,5
What Questions Should I Ask When Calling a Prescription Drug Abuse Helpline?
You don’t have to make any preparations before calling the prescription drug addiction hotline. However, if you have the possibility, it might be better to prepare some questions in advance. These are:4
- What types of treatment does a facility provide?
- What are different behavioral treatment options and their benefits?
- How long will treatment take?
- What are the effects of prescription drug misuse?
- Are there any treatment centers near me?
- What are my payment options?
- Does my insurance cover treatment?
- How do I prevent overdose?
- Do I need to undergo detox?
Asking these questions on time might help you avoid some uncomfortable situations in the future. The answers might also help you with some of the concerns you might have about the recovery process or treatment. For instance, American Addiction Centers has a team of navigators who can help you verify your insurance coverage while on the phone. All of this information will be necessary should you or the struggling individual in question decide to start a treatment.4
When Should I Call a Prescription Drug Hotline?
Drug abuse and addiction hotlines are there to offer advice to people seeking help for their substance abuse. However, some people find it confusing whether it’s the right time to contact such a hotline. If you are one of them, it might be a good idea to ask yourself some questions that might help you decide. Think about some of these concerns:4
- Is your or your loved one’s misuse of prescription drugs started to cause problems. Is it becoming more severe?
- Are you or your loved one currently struggling with prescription drug abuse but don’t know how to begin recovery?
- Do you want to find more resources that can help you or your loved one start treatment?
If the answer to at least one of these questions is “yes”, it might be a good idea to call a drug addiction hotline number today.4
What Happens When I Call a Prescription Drug Abuse Hotline?
Once you call the prescription drug addiction help hotline, you can expect the operator to ask a short series of questions to evaluate the situation. You’re welcome to share any information you feel comfortable with. This might allow the admission navigator to assess your unique struggles with substance abuse abuse.4
If you’ve noticed any signs of prescription drug addiction, you should mention them to the dispatcher. Feel free to inform them of any of the following behaviors:6
- Taking drugs in larger quantities or for a longer period than intended
- Desire to stop using but the inability to do so
- Spending a lot of time using or recovering from prescription drugs
- Inability to manage responsibilities at school, work, or home because of prescription drugs
- Continuation of use, even after this caused problems in social relationships
- Giving up on important activities because of prescription drug use
- Using prescription drugs in dangerous situations
- Continuation of use, even after being aware of the problems that drug misuse could bring
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms that disappear once more prescription drugs have been consumed
If you’re calling for yourself, the dispatcher might inform you about the adverse effects that can happen with your drug abuse. They may also discuss several treatment options and programs, such as therapy or even inpatient rehab. If you’re calling for a loved one, they’ll explain what you can do to help and how to possibly organize an intervention with professional help.4,1
How to Find a Nearby Prescription Drug Rehab Center?
Even an alcohol or drug abuse hotline call can help you find the right treatment option for prescription drug addiction. While specialized hotlines might be more relevant, other helpline numbers can also provide valuable information. Nonetheless, admission navigators might provide you with a plan for seeking professional assistance and help you find a treatment facility that could offer you the right care.4
For example, AAC can also help you find treatment facilities across the country. This recognized provider has treatment centers with a 90-day promise policy. In other words, ACC believes that their 90-day inpatient program is enough to create a proper foundation for a new, sober life. If you do experience a relapse, you are welcome back for 30 more days of treatment.
Free Drug Rehab Helpline Resources
If you require information about treatment options for prescription drug abuse, you may want to call the AAC helpline. They offer a 24-hour prescription drug hotline for families and people struggling with SUD.
Additionally, here are some other reputable free prescription hotlines that you might also call:
- American Addiction Centers (AAC): AAC is a leading provider of inpatient and outpatient rehab treatment services. Our admissions navigators are available 24/7 via our helpline to help you figure out the next steps on your path to recovery.
- SAMHSA’s National Helpline: This is a 24-hour addiction helpline offered by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). 1-800-662-4357.4
- Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: A drug abuse hotline for families whose children struggle with alcohol or drug addiction. 1-855-DRUGFREE (3784-373).7
- Boys Town National Hotline: A 24/7 hotline that helps families experiencing all sorts of problems, including suicidal thoughts, health problems, and prescription drug addiction. 1-800-448-3000.8
- National Runaway Safe Line: A hotline for individuals and their families who live in unhealthy situations. 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929).9
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: A lifeline that can help provide you with useful resources for people struggling with various difficulties that might lead to thoughts of suicide.1-800-273-8255.10
- National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence: A 24-hour hotline for medical questions regarding substance abuse.11
Frequently Asked Questions