Help is available, and drug addiction is treatable. A doctor, addiction specialist, counselor, or treatment program can help with assessment, withdrawal management, counseling, and—when appropriate—medications.12

• Emergency: If someone is unconscious, having trouble breathing, seizing, severely confused, or may have overdosed, call emergency services now. If opioids may be involved, give naloxone if available and follow the dispatcher’s instructions.
• United States: Call SAMHSA’s free, confidential 24/7 helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357), text your ZIP code to HELP4U (435748), or use FindTreatment.gov.48
• Elsewhere: Contact a local doctor, emergency department, addiction service, or national drug-treatment helpline. In the UK, a GP or local drug service can arrange treatment; FRANK’s helpline is 0300 123 6600.3
• Treatment options: Outpatient or residential care, therapy, peer-support groups, and medications. Opioid-use disorder may be treated with medicines such as buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone alongside counseling.29
• Do not detox alone if alcohol, benzodiazepines, or heavy opioid use is involved; withdrawal can be dangerous and may require medical supervision.

If this concerns you, tell a trusted person today and make one call for treatment. If you share your country and whether this is for you or someone else, local options can be identified.