Free Hotline Number for Drug & Alcohol Addiction and Mental Health

Safety questions are used to determine if there is any immediate risk to yourself and others around you. These questions may focus on your thoughts and behaviors, as well as the surrounding environment.

• Do you feel safe at this moment?
  • This question can be used to evaluate your safety in your current environment.
• Do you feel as though you are in danger?
  • Similar to the previous question, this would help determine if you require immediate services.
• Have you or anyone else been hurt?
  • This question can be used to determine the need for medical and other emergency services
• Are you experiencing thoughts about hurting or killing yourself?
  • This question is used to determine if there is any risk to your safety and those around you.
• Have you had thoughts about hurting anyone around you?
  • Similar to the previous question, questions of this nature can be used to evaluate the safety of everyone around you.
• Do you need emergency medical attention?
  • This can be used to determine if emergency services are needed at this time.
• Does anyone around you require medical attention?
  • Similar to the question above, this is used to determine the need for medical and other emergency services.
• Was the injury intentional?
  • Questions of this nature can be used to look at your mental health as well as your medical needs.

Substance abuse-related questions are used to evaluate your current mental state and to see if you are in any danger because of your substance use. As an example, reducing or stopping the use of some substances can lead to serious health complications.

• Can you tell me about the substances you use, as well as the frequency and amount you use?
  • This question can help professionals determine your current mental state, and evaluable the risk of health potential health concerns.
• Are you experiencing any withdrawal symptoms?
  • This question can be used to determine the importance of medical attention because withdrawal from some substances, such as alcohol and benzodiazepines, can be dangerous and require medical supervision.
• Have you ever sought treatment for substance use in the past?
  • Questions about previous treatment episodes are useful when discussing referrals for treatment providers
• Has there been a time when you were able to stay sober?
  • This and similar questions help counselors learn about your experience with addiction and recovery.
• What has your experience been with peer-led support groups, such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous?
  • This information would be used to develop a plan of how you can move forward.

In addition to crisis intervention, another aspect of hotline numbers is to connect callers to appropriate treatment providers. To provide you with a proper referral, counselors will ask you about your interest in and motivations for engaging in treatment. Examples of questions you may be asked include:

• Are you interested in receiving treatment?
  • This may be asked to determine your readiness for treatment.
• What type of treatment would you prefer (inpatient, outpatient, detox)?
  • Some individuals are unable or hesitant to participate in particular rehab programs, which can impact your interest in engaging in treatment. This question can be used to discuss any hesitations and concerns you have about the different levels of care.
• Do you have health insurance?
  • Cost is an important factor for many individuals when it comes to receiving addiction and mental health treatment. Counselors may be able to assist with verifying your health insurance to provide insight into your financial responsibility for treatment.
• How can we connect you with helpful resources in your area?
  • This question can be used to gauge your interest in treatment options so that your counselor can use your time together wisely.
• Can you tell me about what has led to you looking into your treatment options?
  • Understanding your motivation for treatment has an impact on the referrals that counselors can provide you with.

• The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that there were 489,709 contacts made to the 988 Lifeline crisis number in November 2023.
• Of the calls 988 received, 60,372 callers were encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line for specialized support.
• 90% of contacts made to 988 were connected to counselors.
• The average length of time of contact was about 22 minutes.
• SAMHSA highlighted research that indicated that crisis call lines can decrease callers’ feelings of isolation.
• A reduction in the need for emergency crisis services was observed when there was access to a mental health hotline service.

“988 Lifeline Performance Metrics.” SAMHSA. Accessed January 4, 2024. https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988/performance-metrics

“Effectiveness, Cost-Effectiveness, and Funding Strategies For …” Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Accessed January 4, 2024. https://store.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/sma14-4848.pdf