Crisis Resources — Help Is Available 24/7
If you are worried about your own safety, someone else's safety, or the effects of alcohol use, support is available right now. You do not need to wait until things feel unbearable to reach out.
Last updated: · Reviewed by Adiele Onyeze, MD
If you are reading this in a hard moment, take a breath. The right number depends on what is happening right now — five resources follow, with the most urgent first.
Which resource is right for what is happening now
Read the situation on the left; tap the resource on the right. Every number on this page is a direct line to the listed organisation.
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Immediate danger, overdose, unconscious, or preparing for suicideCall 911
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Emotional distress, suicidal thoughts, or overwhelmed — yours or a loved one'sCall or text 988
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Text feels safer than a callText HOME to 741741
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Veteran, service member, or someone supporting one
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Urgent, but not an emergency — you need a treatment referralCall 1-800-662-4357
Immediate Support Options
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988
For yourself or someone you loveThe 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline connects you with a trained crisis counselor, any time, day or night. Reach out if you are in emotional distress, worried about suicide, overwhelmed by alcohol-related mental health concerns, or supporting someone else through a crisis. A counselor will listen, help de-escalate the moment, and work with you on next steps and local resources when needed.
SAMHSA National Helpline
Call 1-800-662-4357
For you or someone close to youSAMHSA's National Helpline is a free, confidential treatment-referral and information service, available 24/7, every day of the year. If alcohol use is affecting you or someone close to you, the helpline can connect you with treatment programs, support groups, and community resources in your area. You will speak with an information specialist who helps you find next steps — this is not where you enter treatment on the spot.
Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741
Text-only supportCrisis Text Line offers text-based crisis support for people who feel safer communicating by message. After you text, you will be connected with a trained crisis counselor who can help you move through the immediate moment, slow things down, and identify the next best step.
Veterans Crisis Line
Dial 988, then press 1
For veterans and the people who care about themThe Veterans Crisis Line supports veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and the people who care about them. Responders understand military and veteran experiences, and can help with urgent emotional distress, alcohol-related crises, and safety concerns. If you are a veteran — or supporting one — this is often the best place to start.
When to Seek Immediate Help
Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room right away if you or someone else is in immediate danger, has taken an overdose, is talking about or preparing for suicide, is unable to stay safe, is having severe confusion, is unconscious, or is experiencing another medical emergency.
If you are worried about severe symptoms related to alcohol use or withdrawal, err on the side of urgent medical evaluation. A live professional can help determine what kind of support is needed right now.
Finding Treatment
If the situation is urgent but not an immediate emergency, you can also use FindTreatment.gov to locate treatment options in the United States. The directory helps people search for substance use and mental health treatment services by location and care type.
You Do Not Have to Figure This Out Alone
Many people reach out for help while feeling scared, ashamed, uncertain, or exhausted. That is enough reason to call. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or trying to support a partner, parent, sibling, friend, or colleague, these services exist to help you take the next safe step.