Getting a drink after work is an extremely normalized practice, so much so that countless restaurants adopt happy hour sales to appeal to this clientele. The ease at which a person over 21 can obtain alcohol contributes to some feeling like they cannot control their urges to drink. It can become hard for the average citizen to understand the complexities of alcoholism, with some people feeling stuck in uncertainty about what to do. In these cases, they are encouraged to call an alcohol help hotline to answer their questions, like that found with our Chicago addiction treatment center.
Who Should Call a Drinking Hotline?
A person should call such a hotline when they need free help and guidance for alcohol misuse. Such misuse can look different for everyone, although there are certain factors that can indicate this issue, including:
- Consistent alcohol cravings
- Drinking larger quantities than intended
- Spending ample time abusing alcohol
- Financial troubles related to drinking
- Being unable to fulfill responsibilities
- Developing a tolerance to alcohol
- Continuing to drink despite negative consequences
- Lack of interest in things once enjoyed
- Experiencing withdrawals upon trying to stop
If a person is experiencing the symptoms listed above, it may be in their best interest to seek the guidance of an alcohol help hotline. Even if they are high-functioning, there is still a chance that they could be struggling to control their drinking. Before reaching out, however, it is worth preparing the questions to ask while on the call, as well as answers to questions that may be asked of the caller.
Questions to Ask on a Call
To make the most of your time speaking with the professionals of an alcohol hotline, it is worth preparing any questions you would most like answered.
Questions you have might include:
- What should I expect from addiction treatment?
- Should I attend a detox program?
- Which addiction recovery resources are near me?
- How long should I expect to be in treatment?
- What type of program should I go for?
- How much will treatment cost me?
- Does my insurance cover any costs of treatment?
The caller should also be prepared to verify specific information about themselves, such as:
- If they are currently in a life-threatening situation.
- What symptoms of addiction are presenting themselves.
- If there are other factors like mental illness or if they are taking other substances
- If the person in need is ready to commit to treatment
We understand that it may seem intimidating to be open with a stranger on the phone. Still, the most important thing to remember is that the person on the other end of the line is there to help you get the help that you need. So being honest and forthcoming about your struggles is the best way to move towards change.
Addiction and Alcohol Abuse Hotline Numbers
Below is a comprehensive list of numbers that people can call when they are struggling with their alcohol use or other tricky situations.
Emergency
In the event of an emergency or a life-threatening situation, call 9-1-1 right away.
- 9-1-1
- Available 24 hours
National Poison Control Center
- 800-222-1222
- Available 24 hours
Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
- 800-662-HELP (4357)
- Available 24 hours
Alcoholics Anonymous
- 209-339-1201
- 24-hour hotline
The National Mental Health Association
- 800-969-6642
- Regular business hours
For those in need of Illinois addiction treatment for alcohol, Banyan’s rehab in Chicago can be reached 24 hours a day. Upon calling, potential patients can discuss their addiction, symptoms, and what they wish to achieve out of treatment. From here, it can be determined which level of care is most suited to their needs. Each program that we offer is designed to comprehensively address all facets of a person’s addiction so that they have the best shot at making a recovery.
To learn more about our options for alcohol addiction recovery, call Banyan Treatment Centers Chicago at 888-280-4763 and speak with an intake specialist today.
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