The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline is now available to connect people with resources to overcome a dependence on opioids or other substances. This free and confidential service supported by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) is managed by 211 Wisconsin.
“An addiction to opioids or other substances can be treated. Recovery is possible,” said DHS Director of Opioid Initiatives Paul Krupski. “The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline offers people hope at a time when they may feel overwhelmed by what steps to take for health and healing. Staffed by caring, trained specialists, it is a safe, trusted place to quickly turn for information. This service will help us achieve our vision of everyone living their best life.”
The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline is available statewide 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 211 or 833-944-4673.
Developed as part of a DHS commitment to support people impacted by Wisconsin’s opioid crisis, the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline is available to everyone. People can call with questions about addictions to all substances, including alcohol and methamphetamine, whether they are struggling with an addiction themselves, or are concerned for a family member or friend.
Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline specialists listen to the needs of the caller and help them navigate local resources. This includes help understanding what is available under their health insurance or other ways to pay for services and supports. Follow-up services are offered to callers.
DHS contracted with 211 Wisconsin in June to build a database focused on public and private programs providing crisis services, detoxification services, assessment, counseling, day treatment, inpatient services, medication-assisted treatment, residential treatment, outpatient services, and peer supports. This database currently includes information on 1,900 agencies offering 4,700 different services and supports. For now, this information is only available by calling the Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline. A website and text service is expected to be available by the end of the year.
The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline is funded by a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration awarded to DHS in 2017 to reduce opioid-related deaths. Governor Scott Walker directed all state agencies to take steps to fight the opioid epidemic by advancing prevention strategies and expanding access to treatment and recovery services and supports through partnerships with counties, tribes, and community organizations.
Last Update: Oct 23, 2018 8:31 am CDT
