What Are Narcotics?

Narcotics, commonly referred to as opioid pain relievers, are only used for severe pain if other pain relievers do not help.¹
The drugs not only help relieve severe pain but also produce euphoric effects, giving them potentially highly addictive properties and making them targets for abuse.

There is a current epidemic involving narcotics abuse in the United States. Pain-relieving, euphoria-inducing opioids such as morphine, oxycodone, heroin, and others are misused every day. The result is a spike in the number of overdoses and deaths among narcotics users.²

Why Should I Call a Drug Hotline Number?

If you are struggling with an addiction to narcotics, you are not alone.

You can call a narcotics addiction hotline number at any time for help and information. All calls are entirely free.

The person on the other end of the line can assist you in finding lifesaving resources and getting you into treatment. All calls to a narcotics hotline number are private and confidential, so you can feel safe knowing that none of your information will be shared.

What Should I Ask When I Call a Narcotics Hotline Number?

Depending on your situation, you may have specific questions about addiction treatment. Those questions could include:

Can I get addicted to the medication that is prescribed to me?
How do I know if I need help?
Do I need detox?
What resources are available near me?
What types of treatment are available for co-occurring disorders (if you are dealing with a mental health disorder as well as an addiction to narcotics)?
What are the next steps in getting help for a narcotics addiction or drug dependence?
Are there community programs I can look into while I wait for treatment?

Remember, the operator might have questions for you as well. For example, if you call a drug or alcohol rehab center or a hotline specializing in locating treatment options, you may be asked questions like:

When can you start treatment?
Do you have insurance or are you without insurance? How will you pay for treatment?
Do you want to stay in your location or travel for care?
Have you attended treatment before this?
Do you want to use medications as part of your treatment (e.g. methadone or Suboxone)?

What Should I Prepare When Calling a Narcotics Hotline?

If you’re calling for yourself, the answers to any of the operator’s questions will likely come easily because you know your history of drug abuse or addiction, but if you’re calling to get help for someone else, it may be more difficult to come up with this information offhand.

It can help to gather info. about the addicted person’s history before calling, including the following:

Any current major medical concerns, such as the existence of any serious diseases, viruses, or infections (e.g. hepatitis, HIV, kidney failure etc.).
History of substance use (duration e.g. long-term drug use and usual dose taken, if you know).
Existence of any co-occurring mental health disorders.
How the person will get to treatment if they accept help.
Any physical disabilities or limitations prospective facilities need to know about.
Whether the person has been violent toward others or has harmed themselves.
Whether the person is currently suicidal.

Staff at the narcotics hotline may also inquire about the person’s insurance information, so having a current insurance card on hand will be valuable during the call. Treatment is often covered at least in part by insurance. You can use the form below to find out whether your insurance will cover addiction treatment.

Should I Call a Narcotics Helpline Number?

If you are at all concerned about your drug abuse or that of a loved one, calling a narcotics hotline is a good idea. Your call will be answered by someone who can listen, provide treatment information, offer support, and refrain from any judgment of your situation.

In addition to finding more information about narcotics addiction and getting much-needed support, you might also call a narcotics helpline for assistance in:

Finding a drug rehab center.
Learning about therapies used in treatment (e.g. group therapy, family therapy).
Locating available community or 12-Step groups in your area.

How to Find Drug Help Information

Even if it is for 1 minute, 5 minutes, or an hour, talking to a stranger who is objective about your situation and will take you seriously is an extremely important step in recovery.

Narcotics hotlines are important resources because, at some point, you will probably want to talk to someone about what you’re going through. If you are feeling lonely, confused, or depressed, you can always call free hotline numbers, where call center specialists will not only listen, but will respond with helpful suggestions on next steps.

Hotlines include:

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): This is a resource for anyone struggling with a mental health or substance abuse disorder. 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
The Partnership for Drug-Free Kids: A nonprofit that provides support to families that are struggling with drug abuse. 1-855-DRUG-FREE (378-4373).
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: You can call this helpline any hour of the day for suicide prevention support. 1-800-273-8255.

Other Free, National, 24-Hour Hotline Numbers to Call

It takes courage, determination, and strength to reach out for help. Free, 24-hour narcotics helplines offer tools, information, and support to encourage recovery. Talking to someone at a call center can make a huge difference in your life.

You might be wondering, ‘Where can I find narcotics help near me?’ A caring narcotics hotline adviser can point you toward the help you need.

24-Hour Narcotics Hotlines

You may be in search of 24-hour narcotics hotlines, drug hotlines, or alcohol hotlines. These helplines are open 24/7, so you can reach them at any time:

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD): This hotline will provide information and referrals to appropriate resources in your community. 1-800-NCA-CALL (622-2255).
Boys Town National Hotline: You can reach specially trained counselors for support at any time by calling this hotline. 1-800-448-3000.
Covenant House Teen Hotline: If you feel unsafe or you don’t know where to turn, you can call this hotline at any time. You can visit their website for hotlines in the United States, Canada, and Latin America.
National Runaway Safeline (NRS): If you are seeking assistance, the NRS hotline can provide you with a number of resources. 1-800-RUNAWAY.

Substance-Specific Narcotics Hotline Numbers

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Hotline

You may like to call the Narcotics Anonymous hotline number. Typically, people who answer the phone at the NA hotline number are recovering addicts, and help is available from 10 am until midnight, 7 days a week. The NA helpline is often the first point of contact for people struggling with drug addiction.

Free, National, and 24-Hour Narcotics Hotline Numbers and Resources