Start with a calm, caring conversation, then offer to look for treatment options together. In the United States, SAMHSA’s FindTreatment.gov locator and National Helpline can connect people with services; call or text 988 for crisis support, and call 911 or go to an emergency room if there is immediate danger or a medical emergency.
Start with a caring, nonjudgmental conversation
Choose a moment when you can speak privately and without rushing. Describe what you have noticed, explain that you are concerned, and ask how you can help. SAMHSA’s family guide advises: “Express your concern and tell them that you’re there to help.” You do not need to diagnose the person or have a perfect script; listening and offering practical help can open the door to a next step. SAMHSA family guidance
- Use specific observations rather than labels or accusations.
- Give the person room to talk and avoid arguing about whether they have a problem.
- Offer a concrete choice, such as searching for providers together or making a call with them.
Find treatment services together
Search SAMHSA’s treatment locator
FindTreatment.gov is SAMHSA’s confidential and anonymous locator for mental and substance use treatment services in the United States and its territories. Search can be narrowed by state, county, and distance. The locator also describes filters such as age groups, special programs, and recovery supports; check the live site for the filters and provider information currently available.
Use search results as a starting point, not a guarantee of availability or suitability. Contact programs directly to confirm whether they serve your loved one, whether they have capacity, and what the next step is.
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Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline
If sorting through listings feels difficult, SAMHSA’s National Helpline offers free, confidential, 24/7 referral and information in English and Spanish. Call 1-800-662-4357 (1-800-662-HELP). SAMHSA also lists TTY 1-800-487-4889 and a text option: send a ZIP code to 435748 (HELP4U). Check SAMHSA’s official helpline page for current contact details and availability.
Compare programs using practical questions
Your loved one’s needs and the program’s current capacity matter more than a listing alone. If they are willing, make the calls together and ask:
- What treatment approaches are offered, and do they include evidence-based services?
- Does the program provide medical care or help arrange it?
- When can an assessment or intake happen?
- Does the program serve the person’s age group and circumstances, and are any relevant special programs or recovery supports available?
- Where is care provided, and what are the eligibility, insurance, and payment arrangements?
SAMHSA’s quality guide recommends asking about evidence-based approaches and medical care. That older guide also advises seeking another provider if a program cannot see the person or family member within 48 hours. Treat that as the guide’s screening prompt—not a guarantee of current availability or a universal clinical rule. Confirm timing and all other details directly with each provider. SAMHSA treatment quality guide
Know when to seek crisis or emergency help
For a substance use-related crisis, the person or a concerned family member can call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support. If someone is in immediate danger or has a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. A locator or routine provider appointment is not a substitute for emergency care.
Support your loved one—and get support for yourself
You can offer help without taking over decisions or carrying the situation alone. Ask providers whether they offer services for family members, and look for support and self-care resources through SAMHSA’s family guidance and family resources. A qualified professional must assess the individual to determine diagnosis, appropriate level of care, medication, or a treatment plan.
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