Relapse Prevention Hotlines and Text Help Numbers

What Is Addiction Relapse?

Addiction, clinically referred to as substance use disorder (SUD), is a chronic, treatable health condition.¹ Like other chronic health conditions (e.g., asthma, diabetes) treatment for addiction isn’t a cure. However, SUD can be managed successfully with evidence-based treatment and aftercare support.¹

Once a person has completed treatment and is no longer using drugs or alcohol, they are in recovery, but this doesn’t mean they are “cured” of addiction. Because addiction is a chronic condition, some people relapse. The rates of relapse for SUD range between 40-60%.²

For many people, relapse is considered a part of the recovery process and does not represent failure. To prevent relapse, a person with SUD should stick to their treatment plan and understand the nature of their addiction. When a person relapses, it typically means they need to resume treatment, modify their treatment plan, or try a different treatment program.¹

Research shows that certain cues, also known as “triggers” (e.g., people, places, moods), and contact with drugs and alcohol are the most common reasons for relapse.²

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) delineates 4 dimensions that support a person in recovery, including:³

• Health: Managing addiction and making informed, healthy choices that support physical and emotional well-being.
• Home: A safe and stable place to live.
• Meaningful daily activities: Work, school, volunteering, caring for family, and creative endeavors.
• Community relationships and social networks: Connections that provide support, friendship, hope, and love.

What Type of Help Do Relapse Prevention Hotline Numbers Provide?

Relapse prevention helplines offer free and confidential advice and support to individuals in recovery and their families.

When you call a relapse prevention hotline or a drug addiction hotline, you can ask questions, request resources, and discuss any concerns regarding addiction and relapse that may be weighing on you. Topics include:

• How to prevent relapse.
• Signs and symptoms of relapse.
• Local support groups for individuals in recovery and their families.
• Referrals to organizations that provide resources, information, and addiction treatment.
• Information about treatment options, including residential addiction treatment and outpatient addiction care.
• Information on addiction aftercare programs.

List of Free Relapse Prevention Hotline Numbers

The following list of free hotlines, helplines, and text support numbers can provide you with the guidance and support you need for your recovery and prevention of relapse.

These hotlines are not meant to be a substitute for calling 911. Please dial 911 for any emergencies that require immediate assistance.

American Addiction Centers (AAC)

• American Addiction Centers (AAC) is a leading provider of high-quality addiction treatment, ranging from medication-assisted detox and inpatient rehab to outpatient rehab and aftercare programs. You can contact AAC 24/7, 365 days a year by calling the number above. An admission navigator will answer your call and can provide information about relapse prevention and addiction treatments.

Boys Town National Hotline

• 1-800-448-3000 or text VOICE to 20121
• This hotline is available nationwide, 24/7, 365 days a year. Boys Town provides information, support, and resources on topics related to addiction, recovery, and other mental health topics.

National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)

• 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 741741
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) hotline provides free and confidential support for a variety of mental health conditions, including addiction. NAMI counselors can give you treatment referrals and connect you to counseling options for individuals and families affected by substance use disorders.

National Drug Helpline

• 1-844-289-0879
• Get confidential help, including referrals to local addiction treatment centers and recovery support options in your area. Trusted addiction specialists work this helpline to provide support and guidance 24/7, 365 days a year.

National Runaway Safeline

• 1-800-RUNAWAY (786-2929)
• Support and resources are provided to individuals experiencing homelessness as well as families in crisis and runaway youth. Available to call 24/7.

National Suicide Prevention

• 1-800-273-8255
• If you or a loved one are in crisis and at risk of suicide, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is open 24/7 to provide free, confidential, and understanding support and connections to suicide prevention resources.

Poison Control

• 1-800-222-1222
• Call this free and anonymous helpline if you or a loved one have taken too much of a medicine or drug or have been exposed to or swallowed a poisonous substance.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)

• 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline provides accurate information, support, and referrals to local resources to individuals with substance use disorders and mental illness.

In addition to these national hotline numbers, you can search the internet to find local support groups, resources, and hotlines in your state.

Can I Text a Relapse Prevention Helpline Number Instead of Calling?

If you are looking for more information about relapse prevention and substance use but aren’t ready to call, you can sign up for personalized text support. You will receive 24/7 text support right now and 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 Relapse Prevention Hotlines and Text Helplines Anonymous and Confidential?

Yes, in general, relapse prevention hotlines and other types of addiction hotlines are anonymous and confidential. You can call a relapse prevention hotline in confidence that you can remain anonymous, and your information will be kept confidential. You are never required to share information you do not want to share. For added peace of mind, you can ask the representative on the phone about the organization’s privacy policy.

Preparing to Call a Relapse Prevention Hotline

Stopping the use of alcohol and drugs is just one part of the recovery process. When you’ve completed treatment, recovery is a lifelong journey. Getting the right kind of support can help you stay sober.

Before you call a relapse prevention helpline, it may be helpful to have a list of topics you want to discuss as well as any questions you want to ask. It’s a good idea to gather some information to ensure you get the right support and what you need out of the call, including:

• Your name, age, and location (only if you are comfortable and are asking for local resources and/or referrals).
• Insurance coverage (if applicable).
• History of drug and alcohol use.
• Relapse history.
• Questions you have related to addiction, relapse, or recovery.
• Questions about what happens if you relapse.

Remember: you only share what is comfortable for you when you call a relapse prevention hotline. Everything is kept completely confidential, and you can remain anonymous if you wish.

Getting Help for Addiction

It’s important to remember that recovery is a process, and relapse is sometimes a part of that process.¹ If you’ve already completed a treatment program but have relapsed or worry about relapsing, it can be challenging to know if you should re-enter treatment. You may want to ask yourself some questions as you consider your options, such as:

• Have I relapsed in the past?
• What types of support do I have?
• Am I enrolled in an aftercare program?
• What are my coping mechanisms if exposed to certain triggers that make me want to use drugs or alcohol?

If you’ve relapsed or someone you care about has relapsed, you’re not alone. American Addiction Centers (AAC) has a team of compassionate admissions navigators available around the clock to provide support when you contact us at . We can discuss your treatment options, check your health insurance, help you with the admissions process if you’re ready, or connect you with local resources. You can also use our rehab directory to search by location, treatment type, accepted insurance providers, and more.