If You Need Help Now

Read this tip to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about What You Can Do and other Substance Abuse topics.

What should I do in a drug-related crisis?

If You Need Help Now

If you are having a medical emergency because of drug use, or if you are in danger because of violent people associated with drug use, call 911. Police and ambulance crews are trained to handle drug problems.

If you are facing arrest, remember that your own cooperative attitude will be a factor in the way you are treated. You should give police your name, address, date of birth, and phone number. Beyond that, you do not have to answer any question and you are entitled to a lawyer.

If you are thinking of killing yourself, call a suicide hotline, where a trained volunteer can help you deal with your crisis. Two national suicide hotline numbers are 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255). There may also be local numbers where you can be referred to resources for help in your area.

If you are craving alcohol or a drug and want to stay abstinent, call your sponsor or a sober friend, practice diversions to get you through the next minute (try 10 push-ups or a quick walk), and make a plan to get to a 12-step meeting as soon as possible. You may also find it helpful to visit an online meeting.

   

Comments

Nobody has commented on this tip yet. Be the first.



Name:


URL: (optional)


Comment:


Not finding the advice and tips you need on this Substance Abuse Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
Tammi Reynolds
Buy My Book