If You Need Help Right Now (Crisis & Hotlines)

If you are thinking about suicide, self-harm, overdose, or you feel like you might lose control, please reach out now. You don’t have to figure out the right words. Just tell the person on the other end that you’re not okay and you need help staying safe.

• Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (United States): Call or text 988, or use the official 988 chat. Trained counselors are available 24/7.
• Emergency Services: If you or someone near you is in immediate physical danger, call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number (such as 999, 112, or 000 depending on your country).
• Crisis Text & Chat (varies by country): Many countries offer text and online chat support for people in crisis. Search for “crisis text line” plus your country name, or visit your national mental health organization’s website for options.

Important: Hotline numbers, text services, and availability can be different depending on where you live. Please check the official websites or local health services in your country for the most accurate information.

Recovery & AA / 12-Step Meetings

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Narcotics Anonymous (NA), and other 12-step or recovery groups are safe spaces where people talk honestly about addiction, mental health, and life struggles. You’ll meet others who have been where you are and are learning how to live one day at a time.

These meetings are usually free, confidential, and open to anyone who wants help. Many young adults find real hope, practical tools, and a sense of community there.

• AA Meeting Finder: Visit the official Alcoholics Anonymous website and use their meeting search tool to find in-person and online meetings near you.
• NA Meeting Finder: Visit the official Narcotics Anonymous website to search for local and virtual meetings focused on recovery from drug use.
• Online Recovery Meetings: There are many websites that list online-only recovery meetings (including AA, NA, and other support groups). Look for trusted directories that clearly list times, formats, and links to join.

It can take a few tries to find a group that feels like a good fit. If one meeting doesn’t feel right, it’s okay to try another. Keep going until you find people you feel safe and seen with.

Christian Counseling & Faith-Based Support

Christian counseling is licensed mental health care that also honors and integrates Christian faith, prayer, and Scripture for those who want it. These counselors are trained professionals who can help with anxiety, depression, addiction, trauma, and more, while also respecting your spiritual questions and doubts.

You do not have to have your beliefs figured out to reach out. Even if you feel far from God, angry, or unsure what you believe, many Christian counselors and ministries will still welcome you and walk with you without judgment.

Find a Christian Counselor

• Christian Counselor Directories: Use trusted online directories where you can search for licensed Christian therapists by location, specialty, insurance, or online/telehealth options. (Example: Christian counseling networks, faith-based therapist finders.)
• Church & Local Referrals: Many churches keep a list of recommended counselors and support groups. You can call or email a local church office and ask if they have referrals, even if you don’t attend there.

Faith-Based Support & Online Care

• Online Christian Counseling Services: Some trusted telehealth platforms offer video sessions, messaging, and phone calls with licensed Christian counselors. Check reviews and credentials before you sign up.
• Prayer & Support Ministries: Many ministries offer prayer lines, online support groups, and mentoring for people struggling with addiction, mental health, or life crises.

If you are not a Christian, you are still welcome to use any of these resources. You can let the counselor or ministry know what you are comfortable with when it comes to talking about faith or prayer.

How to Use These Resources

Reaching out for help can feel scary, awkward, or overwhelming. That doesn’t mean you’re doing it wrong. Here are a few simple ideas to make the first step a little easier.

• When you call, text, or chat, you can say: “I’m really struggling and I don’t feel safe with myself,” or “I think I might have a problem with alcohol / drugs / self-harm and I don’t know what to do.” That’s enough to start.
• You don’t have to tell your whole story at once. Share only what you’re ready to share. The person on the other end can ask gentle questions to help you figure out the next step.
• It’s okay to be nervous or cry. You don’t have to sound calm or put together. These services exist for messy, painful moments.
• If the first person isn’t helpful, try again. Sometimes a call drops, a personality doesn’t click, or a meeting feels off. Your life is worth more than one bad experience. Try a different person, number, or meeting.
• Invite someone you trust. If you can, ask a friend, family member, or mentor to sit with you while you call, or to go with you to a meeting or appointment.