HARRISBURG – As the state and nation celebrate Recovery Month, Gov. Tom Wolf announced Thursday that Pennsylvanians seeking help for drug and alcohol problems are increasingly turning to the statewide toll-free helpline, a program under the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP).
The toll-free helpline has received more than 15,500 calls since introduced by the Wolf Administration 10 months ago, and it is providing personal help to individuals suffering from addiction – and to their families and friends – by directing them to immediate help.
“The helpline is another tool Pennsylvania offers to help those with an opioid or another substance use disorder into treatment and on the road to recovery,” Wolf said.
“The success of the helpline reinforces the need for at-the-ready help for those suffering, and is a part of our ongoing effort to fight the heroin and opioid epidemic head on.”
“Anyone with a drug or alcohol problem can call our toll-free statewide helpline at 1-800-662-HELP, to talk to a person and get immediate assistance to enter treatment,” said DDAP Acting Secretary Jennifer Smith.
“During National Recovery Month in September, we want to spread the word that Pennsylvanians with a substance use disorder can find help through a phone call.
“Individuals can also use an online chat service to connect to the helpline, which offers a way to get anonymous help.”
DDAP notes that callers to the hotline have ranged from individuals seeking detox facilities, to those looking for a caring, knowledgeable person to help them out of a situation that might lead to a recovery relapse.
“Addiction is a disease than impacts families and friends, not just individuals who are suffering with a drug or alcohol problem,” said Smith.
“We know that often those people surrounding the individuals with a substance use disorder need help, too, and all are welcome to call the helpline.”
“Recovery is a process and individuals living with substance abuse disorders need support,” Wolf said.
