Emergency and Crisis Resources
If there is immediate danger, call 911. For a suicide or mental health crisis in the United States, call or text 988.
If you are outside the United States, use the local emergency or crisis service for your location.
Which service should you contact?
Three routes cover most situations: 911 for immediate danger or a suspected overdose, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for a suicide or mental health crisis, and SAMHSA's National Helpline for treatment information. Poison Help directs callers to 911 when a person collapses, loses consciousness, or has difficulty breathing.
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| Situation | Contact | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Life-threatening emergency | 911 | Call immediately and follow the dispatcher's instructions. |
| Suicide or mental health crisis | Call 988 or text 988 | Reach crisis support. For immediate physical danger, use 911. |
| Possible poisoning without life-threatening symptoms | Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222 | Contact a poison center promptly for situation-specific guidance. |
| Domestic or intimate-partner violence | National Domestic Violence Hotline | Call 800-799-7233 or text START to 88788 for safety planning and local resources. For immediate physical danger, call 911. |
| Nonemergency treatment information | SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357 | Ask for treatment information and referral resources. |
What if you suspect an opioid overdose?
Call 911 and give naloxone if available, following the product instructions. Follow the emergency dispatcher's guidance for breathing support or CPR. Stay with the person if it is safe to do so. Do not assume the danger has passed because the person wakes up.
CDC overdose guidance explains recognizing and responding to a possible opioid overdose. If you are unsure whether an overdose is occurring, seek emergency help rather than waiting for certainty.
What if symptoms begin after reducing alcohol or medication?
Seizures, severe confusion, hallucinations, or other serious symptoms can require emergency medical care. Alcohol and benzodiazepine withdrawal can be dangerous. Do not use a website to plan abrupt stopping or a home taper.
For a nonemergency concern about stopping or reducing a substance, contact an appropriate clinician promptly for an assessment. The medical plan should come before selecting a preferred rehab format.
See alcohol detox versus rehab and benzodiazepine treatment for general background after urgent needs are addressed.
What can you do during a suicide or mental health crisis?
Call or text 988, or use the chat route provided by 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can contact the service for yourself or because you are concerned about someone else. If there is immediate life-threatening danger, call 911.
Stay focused on reaching appropriate help. If staying with the person puts you in danger, prioritize your own safety and follow emergency guidance.
The person seeking help can also describe any current treatment or medication to the responding service.
Where can you research treatment when the situation is stable?
SAMHSA National Helpline provides nonemergency treatment information. For site guides, begin with detox versus rehab, levels of care, or co-occurring mental health and substance use treatment.
A preferred private or one-on-one approach can be considered after immediate medical and safety needs are clear. The next plan should connect stabilization with appropriate ongoing care.
A confirmed receiving appointment, transport plan, and relevant records help connect the initial service with the next phase of treatment.
Sources and further reading
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