National Addiction Treatment CentersThe Short Answer
If you or someone you know is in a mental health or substance use crisis, immediate help is available. Call 911 if there is an immediate danger to life or safety. For emotional support during a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The 988 Lifeline provides free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for people in distress.
Your Safety Comes First
This guide is general information from official sources, not medical advice. Talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician before you start, stop or change any medication, and do not try to manage withdrawal on your own. If you or someone else is in danger or has overdosed, call 911 now.
For a mental health or substance use crisis, call or text 988 (the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time.
Key Points
- Talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician about any medication, pregnancy, or withdrawal decision.
- Call 911 immediately in any emergency that threatens life or safety.
- Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if you are in a mental health or substance use crisis.
- The 988 Lifeline is confidential, free, and available 24/7 for anyone needing emotional support.
- The Lifeline can also be reached by those who are worried about a loved one in crisis.
- Never attempt to manage withdrawal or detox at home without medical care. Always call 911 in an emergency.
Understanding 988: The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free, confidential support to people in mental health or substance use distress. According to SAMHSA, you can call or text 988 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. This service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing immediate help by phone or text.
The call is confidential and designed to give you someone to talk to when you feel overwhelmed.
When to Call 911
You should always call 911 in an emergency where someone’s life or safety is at immediate risk. This includes situations like an overdose, active suicidal behavior, severe injury, or any medical emergency. Emergency medical services are there to handle life-threatening situations.
If you are unsure, it is safer to call 911. After the immediate danger has passed, you or the person you are with may be transported to a hospital for further evaluation and care.
When to Call 988 Instead Of 911
Call 988 when you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis but there is no immediate threat to life or safety. SAMHSA explains that the Lifeline is meant for emotional support, crisis counseling, and connecting you to local resources. For example, if you are feeling severe anxiety, suicidal thoughts without a plan, or you are worried about a family member's drinking, 988 is the appropriate number.
The counselors are trained to help you de-escalate and find next steps.
How 988 Supports People with Substance Use Concerns
The 988 Lifeline is not only for suicidal thoughts; it is also for anyone in crisis related to substance use. SAMHSA notes that the crisis counselors can listen and help connect you with local treatment options. If you are struggling with cravings, withdrawal symptoms, or the emotional toll of addiction, you can call or text 988.
The service is confidential, and you do not need to give your name. The counselor can also provide information about substance use treatment programs.
What Happens When You Call or Text 988
When you contact 988, you will be connected to a trained crisis counselor at a local crisis center. The counselor will listen to your situation without judgment and help you find a way through the crisis. SAMHSA states that the call is private and free.
The counselor may also offer referrals to community resources, such as mental health centers or substance use treatment facilities. You can end the call or text whenever you are ready.
Crisis Help and Treatment Resources
Crisis lines like 988 are a first step, but ongoing treatment for substance use disorders is also available. SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov is a confidential online directory you can use to locate treatment centers. Talk to a doctor or other licensed clinician to discuss what treatment options might be right for you.
Remember, never try to withdraw from any substance without medical supervision. Call 911 in an emergency and 988 in a mental health or substance use crisis.
Find Care Near You
Sources
This guide summarises these official sources. Check them for the latest guidance.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/988
- Treatment Options for Substance Use Disorders (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/substance-use/treatment/options
- FindTreatment.gov (SAMHSA): https://findtreatment.gov/
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 988?
988 is the number for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, a national network of trained crisis counselors. You can call or text 988 to get free, confidential help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. SAMHSA explains that the Lifeline provides support for anyone in a mental health or substance use crisis, as well as for people worried about a loved one. It is not a replacement for 911 when there is an immediate life threat.
When should I call 988 instead of 911?
You should call 988 when you are experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis but there is no immediate danger to life or safety. For example, if you are feeling intense distress, hopelessness, or a strong urge to use substances but are not actively overdosing or suicidal with a plan, 988 is the right number. The Lifeline offers emotional support and connects you with local resources. Call 911 if there is any immediate medical emergency, like an overdose or active self-harm.