California Drug Addiction Hotlines & Helpline Numbers

Substance Use in California

Addiction can have significant physical, psychological, and social consequences for you as well as for your friends and family. If you’re a California resident struggling with substance use, know that you’re not alone. During 2017—2019, approximately:¹

• 8% (3 million) of Californians reported a past-year substance use disorder (SUD).
• 6% (2 million) of Californians reported a past-year alcohol use disorder (AUD).
• 3% (1 million) of Californians reported a past-year illicit drug use disorder (AUD).
• 1% (182,000) of Californians reported a past-year opioid use disorder (AUD).

What Types of Help Can a CA Addiction Hotline Provide?

Although millions of California residents struggle with substance use disorder (SUD), help is available via California addiction hotlines and similar services.

Alcohol and drug addiction hotlines vary depending on the group providing the service, but you can expect to receive information, resources, and support for a variety of substance use-related topics. Many are available 24/7, free of charge, and can connect you with a variety of California-based rehab facilities, resources, support groups, and more.

Some of the ways in which an addiction hotline can help include providing information on:

• What addiction is, including the signs of misuse or addiction.
• The detoxification process.
• Addiction treatment options including outpatient addiction treatment, residential addiction treatment, and medication-assisted treatment.
• Community-based organizations and support groups near you in California, such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).
• Payment options for treatment, including learning what your insurance covers and how to pay for treatment if you don’t have insurance.

An addiction hotline can address many questions about substance use. If you’re looking to enter a treatment program in California or out of state, a representative will be able to connect you with a facility or provide information on other ways to get help.

List of Free California Drug and Alcohol Addiction Hotline Numbers

The following list includes contact information for several California help hotlines as well as national hotlines.

If you or a loved one is experiencing a mental health or medical emergency, such as an overdose, call 911 immediately. Do not call a hotline as they are not equipped to handle these situations.

American Addiction Centers (AAC)

• A leading provider of both treatment, American Addiction Centers (AAC) provides resources and support 24/7. Our compassionate admissions navigators are here to listen to your story and answer your questions about addiction and treatment.

Boys Town National Hotline

• 1-800-448-3000
• The Boys Town National Hotline offers support for children and families in crisis. The hotline is staffed around the clock and can provide information, support, and resources for several concerns, including substance use.

Crisis Text Line

• Text “HOME” to 741741
• The Crisis Text Line offers 24/7 text support. A trained Crisis Counselor is available to receive and respond to texts from a secure online platform.

Laguna Treatment Hospital

• (949) 894-4476
• If you’re looking to learn more about a specific rehab facility based in California, Laguna Treatment Hospital is available to answer any questions you may have. Laguna Treatment Hospital is part of the American Addiction Centers (AAC) family of facilities and provides research-based clinical and support services for people struggling with addiction.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline 

• 1-800-950-6264
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness, referred to as NAMI, offers callers information, support, and referrals for mental health-related issues from Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST.

National Clinician Consultation Center

• (844) 326-2626
• For clinicians helping clients or patients with substance use disorder (SUD), you can call this helpline free of charge to obtain a professional clinical consultation. The national line is staffed Monday through Friday between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. EST. For California-specific clinicians, the consultation line is available 24/7.

National Drug Helpline

• 1-844-289-0879
• Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, this free helpline is designed to answer your questions about substance use. The National Drug Helpline can help you understand your insurance coverage if you are uncertain about whether rehab or treatment is covered.

National Runaway Safeline

• 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)
• If you or someone you love has run away from home, this helpline can provide resources and support. This line is available 24/7 and helps support runaway youths, families in crisis, and people experiencing homelessness.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Available via call or text, the national suicide prevention hotline is available 24/7. You can reach out to this support network if you are experiencing emotional distress, thoughts or plans of suicide, or if would like more information about what to do if you develop thoughts related to self-harm or suicide.

Poison Control

• 1-800-222-1222
• This anonymous and free helpline is available 24/7 to give you guidance and resources if you believe you or someone you know is at risk of poisoning. If you suspect an overdose, call 911.

National Rehab Hotline

• 1-866-210-1303
• Free and confidential, support specialists can help you through a mental health or substance use crisis. If you’re in California, you can call 211 to get information about counseling, mental health, legal services, and more.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

• 1-800-622-HELP (4357)
• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSHA) provides a 24/7 helpline. This helpline can give you information, support, and resources for you or someone you know who is experiencing mental health and substance use concerns.

Can I Text an Addiction Helpline Number Instead of Calling?

Yes, some groups offer information, resources, and support via text helplines. This can be a good option for those who want help but aren’t quite ready to talk to someone on the phone.

This Crisis Text Line is available 24/7 when you text “HOME” to 741741. You’ll be connected with a trained Crisis Counselor right away. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) also offers confidential and free crisis counseling when you text “NAMI” to 741741.

If you’re looking for more information about drug and alcohol addiction but aren’t ready to call, you can sign up for personalized text support with American Addiction Centers (AAC). You will receive 24/7 text support at your convenience. Text support is 100% free, and there is no obligation to enter rehab treatment. You can opt-out at any time.

Are Hotlines and Text Helplines Anonymous and Confidential?

To maintain your trust and make sure you are getting the help you need, national and California addiction hotlines and text helplines are confidential. This means that you do not need to disclose any information that you don’t want to and can remain anonymous. This can help you feel comfortable gathering information without concern or fear.

Preparing to Call a California Addiction Hotline

Knowing what to expect before calling a national or California addiction hotline can make your experience less intimidating. It’s also helpful to have some information readily available in case you need it. The hotlines above are confidential and can be contacted anonymously if desired, but you’ll also have the option to share information such as:

• Name, age, location.
• Drug history including substances(s) used, amount, and frequency.
• If you need detox.
• If you have a mental health condition (e.g., anxiety, depression).
• Insurance provider.
• If you’re ready to start treatment.

Should I Consider Treatment?

Addiction can have negative physical, psychological, and social consequences on you and your loved ones. Even people with mild substance use disorder (SUD) may have trouble controlling their drug or alcohol use. Knowing the signs of SUD can help you determine if you should consider rehab treatment. Keep in mind that a California crisis hotline can help you understand the signs of SUD, but can’t provide an official diagnosis.

You might want to consider treatment if you have symptoms such as:²

• Using drugs in large amounts or over longer periods than intended.
• A desire to cut down or stop but having difficulty.
• A lot of time is spent seeking out or recovering from drugs.
• An intense craving or urge to use.
• Inability to maintain normal daily functions.
• Continuing to use even though it is causing conflict within relationships.
• Giving up activities due to use.
• Using even during risky situations like driving.
• Continuing to use even if it makes your physical or mental health worse.
• Tolerance is developed.
• You experience withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop.

How to Find Drug and Alcohol Rehab Centers Near Me

If you’re looking for rehabs near me for addiction, you have options when it comes to the facilities you can attend and the treatments you can receive. Taking your time to consider your options can help ensure you get the best treatment possible. In addition to using the resources above, you can use the American Addiction Centers (AAC) rehab directory to search for rehabs in California or out of state. You’ll be able to search by location and can filter your search by accepted payment and services offered.

Does My Insurance Cover Treatment?

Many treatment facilities accept insurance, but your specific coverage is dependent on your plan. To learn what your plan covers, you can call the number on the back of your insurance card to speak with a representative. You can also verify your insurance by contacting American Addiction Centers (AAC) at or filling out the short form below.