Provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations.  Callers can also order free publications and other information in print on substance use disorder and mental health issues.  Does not provide counseling; trained information specialists answer calls, transfer callers to State services or other appropriate intake centers in their states, and connect them with local assistance and support.

Referrals to Treatment offered by Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

Provides referrals to local treatment facilities, support groups, and community-based organizations. Callers can also order free publications and other information in print on substance use disorder and mental health issues.

Programs that provide information about government offices and services that interested individuals can access on a website or in person, or by telephone, email, chat, text or other communication channel. In some cases, assistance is available to help identify and locate an appropriate office.

Government Information Services

Programs that provide immediate assistance for people who have problems related to excessive use of alcohol and/or use of other drugs or are at risk of a substance use related disorder. Services may include defusing the crisis, ensuring the person's safety and information about alternatives the person may explore to begin recovering. Substance use related hotlines are also typically available to significant others of people who are involved with drugs and/or excessive alcohol use.  Hotline staff can generally be reached via the telephone, email, live chat, texting and/or instant message (IM).

Substance Use Disorder Hotlines

Programs that provide information about drug use (including the drugs most commonly used and their effects, the symptoms of related disorders, screening and diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment) and/or offer any of a variety of services that focus on drug use prevention for people of all ages who are at risk (i.e., who are currently in the light or experimental stage of using drugs; who are members of a drug using sibling, peer or family group; and/or who have behavioral and/or emotional problems at home, in school, in the community or with the criminal justice system). Included may be printed materials or videos that address the subject; psycho-educational and skill building activities; structured groups which focus on family dynamics, problem-solving, self-esteem and similar issues; and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups regarding the dangers of drug use, the signs of related disorders, the legal consequences of drug use and how to get help.

Drug Use Disorder Education/Prevention

Programs that provide information about alcohol use disorders (including the symptoms, screening and diagnostic procedures and methods of treatment) and/or which offer any of a variety of services that focus on excessive alcohol use prevention for people of all ages who are at risk. Included may be printed materials or videos that address the subject; psycho-educational and skill building activities; structured groups which focus on family dynamics, problem solving, self-esteem and similar issues; and presentations in schools and agencies and to family groups regarding the dangers of excessive alcohol use, the signs of related disorders, the potential legal consequences of excessive alcohol use and how to get help.