October 28, Wisconsin Health News
More than 5,000 people contacted a state helpline connecting those seeking help with addiction to community resources during its first year.
The Addiction Recovery Helpline, a 24/7 hotline managed by 211 Wisconsin under a contract with the Department of Health Services, offers help to individuals with challenges related to drug use.
“Too often people delay seeking treatment for a substance use challenge simply because they don’t know where to begin,” DHS Secretary-designee Andrea Palm said in a Friday statement. “The Wisconsin Addiction Recovery Helpline is a good first step."
The helpline began taking calls on Oct. 22. In its first year, 5,594 contacted it.
Operators facilitated 11,940 referrals as people can call the line more than once and can be referred to more than one service.
Assessment, detoxification and residential treatment services were the most referred services.
