Have you ever been in a situation where you feel like you cannot get the help you need from the people around you? Have you ever felt stuck and unsure who to turn to? Have you ever been in an emergency and needed professional assistance right away?

While these situations are deeply frightening, they are one reason why emergency hotlines and access to immediate care are so important. 

But which emergency hotlines should be called? Is 911 the best option for every challenging moment? While this is up to those involved in the situation, you can access plenty of resources in times of need. 

What is a hotline?

Each person handles stress differently and processes moments of crisis differently. However, for many people, times of crisis should not be faced alone; they should be handled alongside trustworthy and caring family, friends, or even strangers. In real moments of crisis, however, shame and guilt, even genuine disgust of oneself, can lead you to avoid reaching out to people you know. 

In these moments, you may crave the companionship of someone you do not know – a third party who can be a listening ear, guide you towards resources that can help (either immediately or in the future), and overall help you overcome the moment of intense anxiety and stress. 

According to HelpGuide.org, “Helpline, hotline, or crisis line chat services are fairly straightforward. You call or text to talk with someone ready to listen, offer feedback, suggest resources, and provide comfort. If the situation is dire, the person on the other end of the phone may also be able to contact local services for immediate help. However, in many cases, callers find that simply talking through their problems is enough to provide relief.”

There is no shame in contacting a hotline to help you navigate those moments. And there is no shortage of crisis hotlines for those who find themselves feeling lost or stuck in habits of substance abuse and addiction.

National substance abuse hotlines

No matter where in the United States you are, the national substance abuse hotlines are accessible all the time, providing help and guidance whenever and wherever you need it. 

1. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) Hotline “is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental or substance use disorders.” They can be reached at 1-800-662-4357 or FindTreatment.gov. 

2. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc. is dedicated to providing resources and care to anyone seeking relief from drug and alcohol use. With locations all over the states, the staff on their direct line will guide you to a more local resource to get you the needed help. Contact NCADD by calling 667-262-2869 or visiting their website for countless resources.

3. Partnership to End Addiction has provided numerous families with the resources they need to address the substance abuse of a child or teen. They offer services through texting (Text CONNECT to 55753), via email or a scheduled phone call.  

4. The National Problem Gambling Helpline “serves as a one-stop hub connecting people looking for assistance with a gambling problem to local resources.” They can be reached at 1-800-GAMBLER for those seeking help addressing gambling addiction. 

5. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Helpline “provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones.” Call 988 for immediate help. 

West Virginia local substance abuse hotlines

If you want to seek treatment in your local area and are disinclined to go through a national hotline that may direct you to a local source of help, consider these West Virginia emergency hotlines for substance abuse. 

1. Help4WV, which “offers a 24/7 call, chat, and text line that provides immediate help for any West Virginian struggling with an addiction or mental health issue.” They can be reached anytime by calling or texting (844) 435-7498 or using their online chat service.
2. The West Virginia National Rehab Hotline – “Available 24/7, the West Virginia Addiction Hotline is free and anonymous for any resident to receive assistance with addiction. Call 866-210-1303 anytime to be connected with a specialist who will listen and help in any way possible.”
3. The Drug Addiction Hotline West Virginia offers resources and will help you quickly locate and contact an addiction treatment center in your area. You can contact the hotline anytime by calling 1-844-289-0879. They can be reached 24/7, 365 days a year.
4. 1-800-GAMBLER provides local gambling addiction services to those in West Virginia as well. It has been proven to be a source of success for those battling a gambling addiction to understand and address this challenging addiction.

Substance abuse treatment centers for West Virginia residents

Pyramid Healthcare now offers three different treatment centers in West Virginia. Located in Kearneysville and Martinsburg, these inpatient, outpatient and detox facilities provide those seeking treatment in West Virginia the option to receive mental health and addiction help in their local area. 

To get in touch with one of our treatment facilities, contact Pyramid Healthcare online or by calling 888-461-7426 to learn more.