Substance Abuse Hotlines in Nevada

What Are Addiction Hotlines?

Alcohol and drug addiction hotlines can be helpful resources when you or someone you love is living with a substance use disorder and isn’t sure how to move forward. Typically free and confidential, drug and alcohol hotlines in Nevada and elsewhere offer trained professionals who can encourage you, help you find treatment for yourself or others, answer treatment-related questions, and provide the necessary resources to begin working toward sobriety. While many hotlines offer toll-free numbers, some also provide the opportunity to chat or message with professionals online or via phone.

While each helpline has a slightly different focus, alcohol and drug addiction hotlines can offer a wealth of information and referrals covering topics such as:

• Addiction treatment education, including levels of care, options, etc.
• Treatment facility referrals.
• Community resources.
• Support group referrals.
• Rehab payment options.
• Insurance verification.

Types of Nevada Hotlines

There are several different types of Nevada substance misuse hotlines. Options include:

• Local support hotlines: Often run by local nonprofits and/or trained volunteers, local support hotlines can help connect you with resources and care in your area.
• Treatment facility and hospital hotlines: These hotlines connect you directly to a treatment facility or hospital, allowing you to get more information on addiction and substance use disorder care and to obtain insights about specific treatment facility options. American Addiction Centers offers such a hotline related to its various facilities including Desert Hope Treatment Center in Las Vegas.
• State and nationally funded hotlines: State and nationally funded hotlines provide free access to counselors and/or advocates who provide information and direct you to treatment options. One option is offered through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).
• Nonprofit hotlines: Nonprofit hotlines, which can be national, regional, or local in scope, often work with trained volunteers to provide information about substance use disorders and to support those who are living with addiction.

Free Alcohol and Drug Addiction Hotlines in Nevada

A host of alcohol and drug hotline numbers are available in Nevada. Options include:

• American Addiction Centers: Call or fill out a form to receive text-based assistance. Available 24/7 for a free and confidential conversation, staff at American Addiction Centers (AAC) can answer your questions about treatment, discuss a variety of facilities within the U.S., verify your insurance (if any), and discuss alternative payment options. Providing evidence-based care via accredited facilities, AAC is the parent company of Desert Hope Treatment Center in Las Vegas.
• Nevada National Rehab Hotline: Call 1-866-210-1303. Available 24/7, the free and confidential Nevada Addiction Hotline offers assistance to Nevada residents dealing with addiction.¹
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration National Helpline: Call 1-800-662-HELP or text your zip code to 435748. The SAMHSA National Helpline is available 24/7 to connect you or your loved ones with a trained professional who can provide addiction-related resources.²
• National Drug Helpline: Call 1-844-289-0879. The National Drug Helpline is available to provide information and assistance for addiction needs 24/7. Conversation topics often include treatment options, information on how to support friends and family struggling with addiction, etc.³
• Nevada 211: Call 211 (or 866-535-5654) or text your zip code to 898211. Nevada’s 211 hotline provides 24/7 information and referrals for people in need of mental health care, adult protective services, healthcare, addiction services, and more.⁴
• Boys Town National Hotline: Text VOICE to 20121 or call 1-800-448-3000. This national teen support network is open 24/7 and offers both text and voice support to all genders. The hotline helps parents and teens better understand addiction and treatment.⁵
• Crisis Support Services of Nevada: Call or text 988. This Nevada-based support organization provides 24/7 assistance and referrals via phone or text to anyone experiencing a crisis.⁶
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741. Available 24/7, the Crisis Text Line offers advice and referrals for anyone in crisis. This can include drug and alcohol addiction, suicidal impulses, family problems, and more. Services are also available via chat and WhatsApp.⁷
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Nevada HelpLine: Text HelpLine to 62640, email helpline@nami.org, or call 1800-950-NAMI (6264). This free, nationwide peer-support service offers information, resource referrals, and support to people living with a mental health condition, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers, and the public. The helpline is staffed Monday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. ET.⁸
• 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988, or chat with a crisis counselor. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline offers 24/7, free, and confidential support for people in crisis. Chat features are available for Veterans and service members, Spanish speakers, and deaf or hard of hearing individuals.⁹

Are All Nevada Helpline Numbers Free?

The vast majority of alcohol, drug, and opioid addiction hotlines in Las Vegas and greater Nevada are free of charge. However, not all helplines operate 24/7. If you reach out to a helpline and do not get an answer, don’t give up. Simply call another number from the list above.

What Happens When You Call a Substance Abuse Hotline?

Each hotline is slightly different based on the services and referrals it offers, the audience it serves, its purpose, etc. But hotlines are usually free and confidential, and callers can typically remain anonymous. (If you have concerns about confidentiality, simply ask the call center rep whether any information obtained will be used following the call, and if so what manner this info will be used.)

People answering hotline calls are typically trained professionals or volunteers who are knowledgeable about addiction issues and have an empathetic ear to listen. However, they’re typically not doctors, which means they can’t handle true medical emergencies nor distill medical advice.

To best assist you, most hotlines will ask a series of questions to help reps determine exactly what kind of help you need. So that call may include questions such as:¹⁰

• Is this an emergency situation where someone’s life could be in danger?
• Are you interested in addiction treatment for yourself or a loved one?
• Are you having suicidal thoughts?
• Do you feel safe?
• What substance(s) are you or your loved one struggling with?
• How long have you been using the substance, and how frequently do you use it?
• Do you have other mental or physical issues?
• Have you attended treatment in the past?
• Are you ready to begin treatment now or in the future?

Often, the hotline rep will ask how they can best help you. So it may benefit you to consider what you want to get out of the call. That is, you can ask for advice, information, and treatment options, or you may simply want a kind and empathetic ear to help you process what’s going on. At the end of your conversation, your hotline contact may ask if it’s ok to call you back in a few days to check on you.

What Questions Should I Ask Reps at a Nevada Substance Abuse Hotline?

Many people who call a drug and alcohol misuse hotline are looking for addiction treatment for themselves or a loved one. Others may be wondering if their behavior and substance use are indicative of substance use disorder.

While most hotline reps can’t provide medical advice nor diagnose a substance use disorder, they can typically provide answers to questions dealing with the following:¹⁰

• Dangers and pitfalls of substance misuse, perhaps including risks of addiction and adverse effects related to specific substances.
• Common issues of and potential resources for those whose loved one is struggling with addiction.
• Treatment options, including details about levels of care (e.g., medically assisted detox, inpatient, outpatient, intensive outpatient care, telehealth, aftercare, etc.).
• Treatment center referrals.
• Treatment cost, payment options, verification of insurance benefits, etc.
• Additional addiction, treatment, and/or mental health resources in your area.

Remember, when you call a substance misuse hotline, you’re in a judgment-free zone. There’s no need to feel nervous or embarrassed about any question you may have.

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

In the vast majority of cases, you can remain anonymous when you use either a Las Vegas drug abuse hotline or any addiction or crisis hotline in Nevada or elsewhere. If you’re concerned about your anonymity, you can ask the hotline about its policy before you begin your conversation. You don’t have to provide any information—not even your name—unless you feel comfortable doing so. If you’re worried about your privacy, mention this to your hotline contact at the start of the call.

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

Many people who are living with a substance use disorder find it more comfortable to use an addiction textline instead of having a voice conversation. Several of the hotlines listed above offer the option of talking or texting.

For example, American Addiction Centers understands that it can be tough to talk about addiction out loud and that you may prefer addiction hotline text options. Click here to sign up for personalized text support, all with no obligation to sign up for treatment.

How Do You Know if You Should Call a Nevada Substance Abuse Hotline?

It’s often difficult to try something new, and it’s normal to feel hesitant to discuss your personal problems—or those of a loved one—with a stranger. So fear and trepidation are normal and expected.

However, drug addiction helplines are a means of support and education. Calling a substance misuse hotline is an obligation-free way to learn more about addiction and treatment options and to just have someone to talk to about your issues. Reps can often provide an empathetic ear, explain the ins and outs of treatment, and generally ease your fears.

As the old saying goes: Knowledge is power. And understanding your options and simply talking to someone about substance misuse can be the first step toward recovery.

Getting Help for Drug and Alcohol Addiction in Nevada

Addiction is a disease—not a moral failing. Asking for help is a sign of strength, not a sign of weakness. If you’re ready to begin recovery, substance use disorder hotlines and American Addiction Centers can help.

Contact our hotline at 24/7 for a free and confidential conversation. You can tell your story, explore treatment options, and review rehabs, including those within Nevada, such as Desert Hope Treatment Facility in Las Vegas,as well as various out of state options. AAC hotline reps can also verify your insurance benefits (if any)—or you can do so online. Reach out today to learn more.