Looking for treatment can feel like a maze. This guide summarizes what the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says about finding help for drug or alcohol use. It is general education, not medical advice.
By the Exsura Team · October 17, 2026
If someone is in immediate physical danger, call 911. If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicide crisis, call or text 988. SAMHSA says “911 is the primary contact for emergencies involving medical emergencies, fire, crimes in progress, or other situations requiring immediate physical intervention” and that “988 is for emotional and behavioral health support with minimal law enforcement involvement unless there is an immediate physical safety threat.”
For a suspected overdose, call 911; for what to do next, see free naloxone and overdose response in Dallas County. Before you cut back on drinking on your own, read when alcohol withdrawal needs medical help.
SAMHSA runs a National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), with a TTY line at 1-800-487-4889. SAMHSA describes it as a free, confidential information and treatment referral service for individuals and family members facing mental and/or substance use disorders, open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. It says English and Spanish are available if you select the option to speak with a national representative. It refers callers to local treatment facilities, support groups and community-based organizations.
You can also text your 5-digit ZIP code to 435748 (HELP4U). SAMHSA says the text service is only available in English and that message and data rates may apply.
The helpline is not a counseling line. SAMHSA answers the question “Do you provide counseling?” with “No, we do not provide counseling.” Its information specialists connect callers to state services or intake centers and local support. On privacy, SAMHSA says “We will not ask you for any personal information.” It may ask for a ZIP code or similar location information so it can find local resources.
SAMHSA’s find-treatment page describes FindTreatment.gov this way: “This locator provides information on state-licensed providers who specialize in treating substance use disorders and mental illness.” For opioid use disorders, the same page points to the Opioid Treatment Program Directory, which it says lists “treatment programs accredited to treat opioid use disorders such as prescription pain medications and heroin by state.”
SAMHSA says making the call can feel overwhelming, and suggests writing a script or asking a loved one to help. It also says to ask first whether a program is taking new patients and, if not, whether there is a waitlist, and that “It may take calling or emailing a lot of places before you find an opening” or a professional who matches your needs. SAMHSA lists information you may be asked for:
SAMHSA adds that these calls are confidential.
SAMHSA says that if you do not have insurance, or treatment is still too expensive with insurance, there are ways to get help. Many health care professionals offer a “sliding-fee scale”, which means the price depends on how much money you make, so ask about it when you call. SAMHSA also says some professionals and programs in larger centers or hospitals have grants, scholarships, charity care or payment plans, and suggests asking about them. For grants and similar help, it suggests asking whether it covers your whole course of treatment and whether you must pay the money back if you do not finish. For payment plans, it says to make sure you know the terms of when and how much you have to pay back. It points to health centers that provide free or low-cost care, your state mental health and substance use agency, and Medicaid or other insurance options.
On the helpline itself, SAMHSA says that if you have no insurance or are underinsured, it will refer you to your state office responsible for state-funded treatment programs, and can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid.
SAMHSA offers a checklist for comparing programs. It says programs and their professionals should be licensed and accredited, and it lists evidence-based approaches such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioral therapy and supportive therapy. It says family members can be included as the person in care wishes, and that many programs help with other parts of life such as housing, food assistance and job placement.
For drug or alcohol use specifically, SAMHSA says a professional or program should only provide FDA-approved medication for treating alcohol, tobacco or opioid use. It also notes that there are currently no FDA-approved medications to help prevent returning to use of other substances such as methamphetamines and cocaine.
SAMHSA says to be honest with the health care professional so they can build a full picture and make a treatment plan, and that they will not involve your family without your permission. It says that, depending on what you are going to treatment for, you may feel better in a few weeks or it may take a few months, and that if a program does not feel like a good fit you can talk to your professional about trying a different approach or a different provider. It also says it is important to give treatment time to work, and that it can take a few tries to find what works best.
SAMHSA says the referral service is free of charge and confidential. It operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in English and Spanish. Message and data rates may apply to the text service.
No. SAMHSA says its information specialists do not provide counseling. They connect callers with state services, intake centers and local support.
SAMHSA says it will refer you to your state office responsible for state-funded treatment programs and can often refer you to facilities that charge on a sliding fee scale or accept Medicare or Medicaid. SAMHSA also suggests asking providers about sliding-fee scales, grants, charity care and payment plans.
SAMHSA suggests checking that a program and its professionals are licensed and accredited, asking about evidence-based practices, and asking about FDA-approved medication for alcohol, tobacco or opioid use.
Sources last checked October 17, 2026. This article is general education, not financial, legal or medical advice. Rules, fees and programs change, so confirm details with the organization before you act.
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