Addiction Hotline: What You Are Actually Calling

What addiction hotlines and rehab helplines are, how paid referral lines work, and how to get help without a high-pressure sales call.

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Key takeaway

An addiction hotline may be a public helpline or a paid referral line. Ask who pays the call center and whether they steer to partner facilities. For free public help use SAMHSA 1-800-662-HELP. Call or text (800) 653-9376 if you want a referral conversation that names how we are paid.

Last updated: Wed Oct 07 2026 00:00:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

You searched addiction hotline because you need a human voice tonight. Not every number is the same kind of help. Some are public. Some are ads with a phone tree.

Call 911 for medical emergencies. Call or text 988 for a mental health crisis.

Public starting points

SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
FindTreatment.gov
988 for suicidal or mental health crisis

Paid referral lines

Ask: Who pays you? Do you only offer partner facilities? Can you help me stay local? What happens if I say no to travel? Read is this a rehab helpline or ad, how SmarterRecovery gets paid, and patient broker red flags.

How to use our line

Call or text (800) 653-9376. We are a referral helpline. We will ask clinical and logistics questions, not only for a card photo. See how the referral call works.

Next step

If you want a public locator first, use FindTreatment.gov. If you want help thinking through options, call or text (800) 653-9376.

Call or text (800) 653-9376 when you need a hotline conversation that does not hide the business model.

Additional Resources

Sources cited on this page:

Common Questions

Is every addiction hotline free and neutral?

No. Some are public services. Others are commercially funded referral centers. Ask who pays them and whether they only offer partner programs.

What is the SAMHSA National Helpline?

SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) is a free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service in English and Spanish. It is a public starting point.

How is SmarterRecovery different?

We are a referral helpline. We explain how we are paid and how the call works. Read how SmarterRecovery gets paid and how the referral call works.

What should I have ready when I call?

Substances, last use, seizures or overdoses, medicines, pregnancy, insurance plan name, and whether you can stay local. See what to have ready when you call.

What if I only need a crisis line?

For suicidal crisis or mental health emergency, call or text 988. For medical emergency, call 911. Hotlines are not EMS.