Our confidential helpline provides immediate support for individuals struggling with alcohol or drug use, family members concerned about a loved one, and anyone seeking information about addiction treatment and recovery resources. Whether you are in crisis, considering treatment for the first time, or looking for support during recovery, our helpline connects you with knowledgeable professionals who can provide guidance, answer questions, and help you access appropriate care.

The helpline is managed by InterventionNY.com, a trusted provider of intervention services and addiction support. Our team understands the challenges of addiction and recovery and is committed to providing compassionate, non-judgmental assistance to everyone who calls. We recognize that reaching out for help takes courage, and we are here to support you through this important step.

What Happens When You Call

When you call our helpline at (914) 594-5851, you will speak with a trained professional who understands addiction and treatment. The conversation is confidential, and you are not required to provide your name or any identifying information if you prefer to remain anonymous. Our goal is to provide the information and support you need in a respectful, non-judgmental manner.

Initial Assessment

The helpline specialist will ask questions to understand your situation and needs. This might include questions about the nature of the substance use (alcohol, drugs, or both), how long substance use has been a concern, whether there have been previous treatment attempts, current health and safety concerns, insurance coverage and financial considerations, and what type of help you are seeking. These questions help us provide appropriate recommendations and connect you with suitable resources.

You can share as much or as little information as you feel comfortable providing. If you are calling about a loved one rather than yourself, we can still provide guidance and support. If you are in immediate danger or experiencing a medical emergency, we will help you access emergency services while also providing information about ongoing treatment options.

Information and Guidance

Based on your situation, the helpline specialist will provide information about treatment options including medical detoxification, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation programs, medication-assisted treatment, counseling and therapy options, and support groups and community resources. We explain different levels of care, what each involves, and how to determine which might be most appropriate for your situation.

We can answer questions about what to expect in treatment, how long treatment typically lasts, what happens during detox and rehabilitation, how to talk to family members about seeking treatment, how to verify insurance coverage for treatment, and what to do if you do not have insurance or have limited financial resources. Our goal is to provide clear, accurate information that helps you make informed decisions about treatment and recovery.

Treatment Placement Assistance

If you are ready to enter treatment, we can help arrange admission to appropriate facilities. This includes verifying your insurance benefits and explaining coverage, identifying treatment facilities that meet your needs and accept your insurance, checking availability and arranging admission, coordinating transportation to treatment if needed, and providing information about what to bring and what to expect. We work with quality treatment providers including HVATC.com, Every1Center.com, LongIsland.Rehab, and IntegrityTreatmentPartners.com to connect callers with appropriate care.

We can often arrange same-day admission to treatment facilities, which is important because motivation for treatment can fluctuate. If you are ready to seek help, we want to make it as easy as possible for you to access care immediately. We handle the logistics so you can focus on taking this important step toward recovery.

Who Should Call the Helpline

Our helpline serves anyone affected by alcohol or drug use, including individuals struggling with substance use, family members and loved ones concerned about someone's drinking or drug use, people in recovery who need additional support or resources, healthcare providers seeking treatment referrals for patients, employers or employee assistance programs looking for treatment options, and anyone with questions about addiction, treatment, or recovery.

If You Are Struggling with Substance Use

Call if you are concerned about your drinking or drug use, have tried to cut back or stop on your own but have been unsuccessful, are experiencing health problems related to substance use, have had legal, work, or relationship problems due to substance use, are experiencing withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop, or are ready to seek treatment but do not know where to start. We provide non-judgmental support and can help you access appropriate treatment regardless of where you are in your journey.

If You Are Concerned About a Loved One

Call if you are worried about a family member's or friend's drinking or drug use, do not know how to talk to your loved one about their substance use, are considering an intervention, need information about treatment options for your loved one, want to understand how to support someone in recovery, or need support for yourself as a family member affected by addiction. We can provide guidance on how to help your loved one while also taking care of yourself. Learn more about helping a loved one on our intervention guide page.

If You Are in Recovery

Call if you are struggling with cravings or urges to use, are experiencing challenges in early recovery, need additional support or resources, are concerned about relapse, want information about support groups or continuing care, or have questions about medications for recovery. Recovery is a journey, and it is normal to need support along the way. We can connect you with resources to help you maintain your recovery.

What We Can Help With

Our helpline provides assistance with a wide range of addiction-related concerns and questions. We are here to support you regardless of where you are in your journey, from initial concerns about substance use to long-term recovery support.

Treatment Information and Referrals

We provide detailed information about different types of treatment including medical detoxification for safe withdrawal management, residential or inpatient treatment programs, intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, standard outpatient counseling and therapy, medication-assisted treatment for alcohol and opioid use disorders, dual diagnosis treatment for co-occurring mental health conditions, and specialized programs for specific populations (adolescents, women, LGBTQ+, veterans, etc.).

We can explain what each level of care involves, how long treatment typically lasts, what to expect during treatment, and how to choose the right program for your needs. We work with accredited, quality treatment providers and can connect you with facilities that meet your specific requirements. Learn more about treatment options on our alcohol rehab and treatment options pages.

Insurance and Financial Assistance

We help callers understand their insurance coverage for addiction treatment, verify benefits with insurance companies, identify in-network treatment providers, explain out-of-pocket costs and payment options, and find affordable treatment options for those without insurance or with limited coverage. We can also provide information about Medicaid coverage, sliding scale programs, state-funded treatment, and other financial assistance options.

Financial concerns should not prevent anyone from accessing needed treatment. We work to find solutions that make treatment accessible regardless of financial situation. Many treatment facilities offer payment plans or financial assistance for those who qualify.

Crisis Support

If you are in crisis, we can provide immediate support and help you access emergency services. This includes situations involving suicidal thoughts or behaviors, severe withdrawal symptoms, medical emergencies related to substance use, domestic violence or safety concerns, and severe mental health crises. While our helpline is not a substitute for 911 in true emergencies, we can provide support and help coordinate appropriate emergency care.

If you are having thoughts of suicide, please call 911 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 immediately. If you are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms such as seizures, hallucinations, or confusion, seek emergency medical care immediately. Our helpline can provide follow-up support and help arrange ongoing treatment after the immediate crisis is addressed.

Family Support and Education

We provide support and education for family members affected by a loved one's addiction. This includes information about addiction as a disease, how to talk to a loved one about their substance use, planning and conducting interventions, setting healthy boundaries, finding support groups for families (Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, etc.), and taking care of your own well-being. Family members are often deeply affected by addiction and deserve support themselves.

We can connect you with resources specifically for families, including family therapy programs, educational materials, and support groups. Understanding addiction and learning how to support your loved one effectively while also taking care of yourself is crucial for both your well-being and your loved one's recovery. Resources such as LongIslandAddictionResources.com provide additional family support services.

When to Call 911 Instead

While our helpline provides valuable support and information, certain situations require immediate emergency medical attention. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department if you or someone else is experiencing life-threatening symptoms including seizures, loss of consciousness, severe confusion or disorientation, difficulty breathing, chest pain, severe vomiting or inability to keep down fluids, thoughts of harming yourself or others, or any other medical emergency.

Alcohol and drug withdrawal can be dangerous and even life-threatening in some cases. If you are experiencing severe withdrawal symptoms, do not wait to call our helpline—seek emergency medical care immediately. After the immediate medical crisis is addressed, we can help arrange ongoing treatment and support. Learn more about withdrawal risks on our alcohol withdrawal page and medical detox page.

Additional Resources

In addition to our helpline, numerous other resources are available for individuals and families affected by addiction:

National Helplines

• SAMHSA National Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service)
• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 (free, confidential crisis support 24/7)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 (free, confidential crisis support via text)

Government Resources

• SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) - Treatment locator and resources
• NIAAA (National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism) - Research and education
• CDC Alcohol and Public Health - Health information and statistics
• National Institutes of Health - Medical research and information

TalkingAlcohol.com Resources

• WHO AUDIT Test - Assess your drinking patterns
• How to Stop Drinking - Strategies for quitting
• Medical Detox - Safe withdrawal management
• Alcohol Rehab - Treatment program information
• Getting Sober - Recovery guidance
• Substance Use Disorder - Information about all drugs

Frequently Asked Questions