Substance Use Treatment and Recovery Help While Homeless

If you need shelter tonight, you don't have to read first — search shelters near you or call 211 or use your local 211 service.

For an overdose, severe withdrawal, loss of consciousness, trouble breathing, or another medical emergency, call 911. For treatment information, call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or use FindTreatment.gov.

A treatment hotline, shelter directory, or referral cannot guarantee admission. Ask what is available now and what to do if the first option is full.

Shelter and treatment are different services

An emergency shelter provides temporary accommodation. Detoxification, inpatient treatment, outpatient care, medications for substance use disorders, and recovery housing are separate services.

A shelter may:

• accept people who are actively using substances;
• require sobriety while on the premises;
• offer a recovery-focused program;
• refer guests to detox or treatment; or
• decline admission under certain local rules.

Ask directly rather than assuming.

Low-barrier shelter

Low-barrier shelters are designed to reduce obstacles to entry. Some do not require sobriety before admission, but they still have safety and conduct rules. “Low barrier” does not mean that substance use is permitted inside.

Availability varies widely.

Detoxification

Medical detox provides monitoring and treatment for withdrawal. Withdrawal from alcohol, benzodiazepines, and some other substances can be dangerous or life-threatening.

Do not use an online article as detox instructions. Contact a medical professional, treatment service, or emergency department.

Inpatient and residential treatment

Residential treatment provides structured services in a live-in setting. Admission may depend on clinical assessment, insurance or funding, program criteria, and available space.

Ask:

• Is an assessment required?
• Is medical detox needed first?
• What insurance or funding is accepted?
• How long is the wait?
• What happens if I have nowhere safe to stay while waiting?

Outpatient treatment

Outpatient programs allow a person to receive treatment without living at the facility. Options may include counseling, intensive outpatient services, medications, peer support, and case management.

Transportation, phone access, and a safe medication-storage plan can be important for someone without stable housing.

Recovery housing and sober living

Recovery housing provides an alcohol- and drug-free living environment that supports recovery. It is not automatically a licensed treatment program.

Before entering, ask about:

• cost and deposits;
• medication policies;
• house rules;
• staff qualifications;
• grievance procedures;
• drug testing;
• length of stay; and
• whether clinical services are provided.

Medications for substance use disorders

Evidence-based treatment can include medications for opioid or alcohol use disorders. A shelter's policy should not be assumed from its general sobriety rules. Ask how prescribed medications are handled and whether secure storage is available.

If treatment is not immediately available

• Ask SAMHSA or the local access point for another provider.
• Ask whether a bridge clinic or same-day assessment exists.
• Ask shelters about low-barrier options.
• Contact outreach or Health Care for the Homeless programs.
• Ask how to remain on a waitlist without a phone.
• Provide an alternate contact if possible.

Mental-health crisis support

Substance use and mental-health crises can overlap. Call or text 988 for suicide, severe emotional distress, or a mental-health crisis. Call 911 for an immediate medical emergency.

Find local shelter options

Search nearby shelters and ask what substance-use policies apply. The directory does not show real-time beds or treatment openings.

Sources

• SAMHSA National Helpline
• FindTreatment.gov
• SAMHSA Find Help
• National Health Care for the Homeless Council

*This article provides general access information, not medical advice. Reviewed in June 2026. Treatment, shelter policies, eligibility, and availability vary.*