Drug Addiction Helpline vs. Hotline
There's often confusion between drug addiction hotlines and drug addiction helplines. Both are important 24/7 resources for anyone struggling with addiction, but there are some key differences between the two. When struggling with drug addiction, it is important to know all of the resources available to you so that you can get the help you need.
What is a Helpline?
A drug addiction helpline is usually a phone number, website, or online chat service that provides support and information. Addiction helplines are often run by addiction treatment centers or nonprofits and provide drug addiction resources and information about drug addiction treatment options.
What is a Hotline?
A drug addiction hotline is typically a free, confidential phone line that's staffed by trained counselors who can provide support, information, and referral services. Addiction hotlines are usually staffed by counselors, social workers, or other trained professionals who can provide support, information about drug addiction treatment options, and referrals to drug addiction treatment centers.
Which One Should I Call?
If you or someone you know is struggling with drug addiction, the best thing to do is call a drug addiction hotline. Hotlines are staffed by trained professionals who can help you find the resources you need to get help. Addiction helplines can also be a great resource, but they are not always staffed by professional counselors.
Available Helplines and Hotlines
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: Founded in 2004, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national hotline that provides 24/7 support to people struggling with suicide crisis or emotional distress. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a free and confidential hotline that's received 20,478,698 total calls since 2005. It serves over 300,000 veterans annually and has a network composed of over 180 centers across 50 states. Their hotline toll-free number is 1-800-273-8255.
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: SAMHSA was founded in 1992. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a drug addiction helpline that provides 24/7 support to people struggling with drug addiction. Those answering phones provide referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations in both Spanish and English. They received 833,598 calls in 2020. Their helpline number is 1-800-662-4357.
- 211: Founded in 2000, 211 is a drug addiction hotline number that provides 24/7 support to people struggling with drug addiction. The drug addiction hotline is a free and confidential service that's available. It provides referrals to local drug addiction treatment centers, support groups, and community-based organizations. The 211 network in the United States made more than 27.8 million connections to help, resources, and services for people in 2020. Their hotline number is 211.
- Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous is an international mutual aid fellowship hotline provided by individuals that have been sober for at least a year and are currently working in AA's 12-step program. They are a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Their hotline number is 212-870-3400.
- Corporate Compliance Hotline Communication: Caron provides a drug addiction hotline as part of our continuum of care. This drug addiction hotline provides a safe, confidential way for employees and other concerned individuals to report any potential compliance issues or concerns. All reports will be promptly and thoroughly investigated. The hotline number is 1-855-356-8890.
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988: As of July 16, 2022 anyone experiencing thoughts of suicide, mental health, or a substance use crisis can dial or text “988” from any phone and be connected to the Suicide and Crisis Hotline for support. You can also use the 988 hotline if you are worried about a loved one who needs support.
Addiction Treatment Resources
There are many helplines and hotlines that are available for those who are struggling as well as their families. Knowing who to call and having the right resources are important when it comes to addiction and emotional crises.
At Caron, there are many addiction treatment resources available such as:
- Inpatient Drug Rehab: Inpatient drug rehab is a type of drug addiction treatment that requires people to live at the treatment center for the duration of their treatment. In recovery, people will live in a drug-free environment and receive around-the-clock care from medical and mental health professionals. Caron Pennsylvania is licensed for in-patient non-hospital short-term detoxification services and in-patient non-hospital residential and rehabilitation services.
- Outpatient Drug Rehab: Outpatient drug rehab is a type of drug addiction treatment that allows people to live at home while attending treatment at a clinical office. This type of drug addiction treatment can be very successful, as it allows people to maintain some sense of normalcy. Treatment providers help people create a treatment plan that works around their schedules.
- Day/ Night Treatment Rehab: Caron Florida (Renaissance and Ocean Drive programs) is licensed for day/night with community housing, day/night program, intensive outpatient, outpatient treatment, and aftercare services. “By day”, patients are transported to treatment at clinical offices for intensive outpatient treatment which may include individual and/or group therapies. At the end of their day, or ‘by night’, patients are transported back to their off-site residences where they can reside among their peers in a Caron-owned community. Here they can process and practice the skills they’ve learned while living in a safe and substance-free environment. (This is different from sober living, which may not require accreditations among other specifications.)
Treatment services vary depending on the drug addiction treatment center and the type of treatment needed. Substance abuse treatment services can include detoxification, individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and more.
Caron's Treatment Programs
Caron is an accredited drug and alcohol addiction treatment center with treatment programs offering a variety of drug addiction treatment options, including inpatient drug rehab, outpatient drug rehab, day/night programs with intensive outpatient, and aftercare services. For over 65 years, Caron's treatment programs have been helping people struggling with drug addiction as well as their families. Recognized for its evidence-based approach and commitment to excellence in addiction medicine, Caron is one of the most well-respected drug addiction treatment centers in the country.
Caron's goal is to provide the highest quality drug addiction treatment possible so that people struggling with drug addiction can recover and lead healthy, productive lives.
Caron Staff
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