Substance Abuse Hotlines in Los Angeles

When you decide to seek treatment for a substance use disorder (SUD), finding the right resources to start your journey may seem intimidating. Thankfully, several addiction hotlines are available to offer guidance and refer you to services that best suit your needs.

Keep reading to learn more about substance abuse hotlines in Los Angeles and how to find treatment near you.

What Are Addiction Hotline Services?

Alcohol and drug use hotlines are anonymous, confidential phone lines that assist those struggling with addiction. Addiction hotlines may offer different services, such as:

• Crisis intervention.
• Connection to local resources.
• Referral to addiction treatment services.

Trained advisors, who are often in recovery, are available 24/7 at most hotlines. Families and loved ones of people fighting addiction can also call addiction hotlines to learn more about treatment and get help for others.

Free Alcohol and Drug Addiction Hotlines in Los Angeles

Several kinds of free drug addiction helplines are available throughout Los Angeles and surrounding areas. Local support hotlines assist people in a specific county or town and can refer you to resources within your community.

Here are some free alcohol and drug addiction hotlines:

• Substance Abuse Service Helpline (SASH): Call (844) 804-7500. This 24/7 SUD helpline is available for people struggling with addiction and their loved ones. SASH clinicians and counselors conduct a screening before connecting callers with treatment providers.¹
• Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) LA county: Call (323) 936-4343. This peer support group offers free, confidential meetings for people struggling with alcohol addiction. Morning, afternoon, and evening meetings are held daily at multiple locations within the community.²
• 211LA: Call 211 or text your zip code to 898-211. This locally based hotline connects LA county residents to health and human services and referrals to treatment.³
• America Addiction Centers (AAC): Call . AAC’s hotline provides access to admissions navigators who help patients get admitted to nearby treatment, verify insurance, discuss payment options, and more.
• Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Non-Emergency Treatment Referral Line: Call (800) 879-2772. This hotline offers referrals to local county addiction treatment and services.⁴
• SAMHSA’s National Hotline: Call (800) 662-4357 or text 435748. This confidential service delivers information about support groups, answers to questions, and local treatment referrals.⁵
• National Association of Mental Health (NAMI): Call (800) 950-6264 or text “HelpLine” to 62640. This national service offers support, answers, and shared experiences from people in recovery. The NAMI hotline is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.⁶
• Boys Town National Hotline: Call (800) 448-3000 or text “VOICE” to 20121. This service offers educational information about addiction and treatment to parents and teens of any gender.⁷
• Crisis text line: Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a volunteer crisis counselor.⁸
• 988 Crisis Line. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides free and confidential support for people in crisis, dealing with thoughts of suicide, or who are in distress. Call 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for help.

Are All Los Angeles Helpline Numbers Free?

All the helplines listed above are free for people in California. Most operate 24/7.

Emergency Calls

If you or someone you love is experiencing a medical or psychological emergency, immediately call 911 or visit the nearest emergency room. Addiction hotlines are exceptional resources but are not qualified to handle medical emergencies. You can also call 988 for mental health and crisis assistance.⁹

How Do I Know if I Should Call a Los Angeles Alcohol & Drug Addiction Hotline?

If you’re afraid that alcohol or drug use has become a serious issue for you or your loved one, it may be time to seek help. Here are some signs that you or someone you love may need addiction treatment and calling an addiction help line may be beneficial:¹⁰

• An inability to quit using substances
• Loved ones have expressed concern
• Neglecting daily responsibilities
• Engaging in risky behaviors
• Sudden behavior changes
• Experiencing withdrawal symptoms when substance use is ceased or reduced

What Happens When You Call a Substance Abuse Hotline?

When you call or text an alcohol and drug hotline number, the helpline worker will often ask questions to understand your situation and how to help. Depending on the nature of the situation, this can mean providing direct counseling or connecting you to helpful resources.

You can prepare yourself for this call by gathering your thoughts and getting ready to tell your story and express your feelings. Addiction hotlines are judgment-free, and the person you speak to is there to do whatever they can to assist you. It may help to write down any questions you may have about addiction and seeking treatment.

Is the Conversation Confidential When I Call a Substance Abuse Helpline?

Your conversations with a Los Angeles substance abuse hotline are typically confidential, though this may depend on the helpline. Most will not ask you for your name or any private information.

If you have privacy concerns, express them with the hotline worker before you start your conversation. You can then make an informed decision on how much you want to share.

Can I Text a Los Angeles Substance Abuse Helpline Number Instead of Calling?

Using an addiction text line can be easier than calling for some. Several helplines mentioned above also provide the option to text.

You can sign up for personalized text support with AAC with no treatment obligation.

How Can I Find a Nearby Inpatient Drug Rehab Facility in Los Angeles?

American Addiction Centers (AAC) is home to many top-quality treatment facilities nationwide. Laguna Treatment  is one such rehabilitation center in the greater LA area. Qualified addiction specialists at Laguna provide an individualized care plan with multiple levels of care, including medical detox, residential treatment, and addiction aftercare.

If you or a loved one is ready to seek addiction treatment in Los Angeles, call to begin treatment or learn more about the care provided at Laguna and other AAC facilities. A qualified admissions navigator can offer support and encouragement while helping you find the care you need. Contact AAC to verify insurance, discuss the admissions process, find addiction treatment centers, and more.