Understanding the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

988 is the nationwide number for mental health, substance use, and suicide crises. You can call or text 988 any time, free and confidential, to reach a trained counselor who will listen, help you through the moment, and connect you to further support. It works alongside addiction resources in Delaware.¹

Key takeaways

• 988 connects you to the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7.
• It is free, confidential, and available by call, text, or chat.
• It covers mental health, substance use, and suicide crises.
• 988 is for crisis support; 911 is for medical emergencies like overdose.

What is the 988 Lifeline?

The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers offering free, confidential emotional support to anyone in distress, around the clock.¹ It replaced the older 10-digit suicide hotline with an easy-to-remember three-digit number.

When should you call or text 988?

Reach out to 988 whenever you or someone you know is struggling — not only in life-or-death moments. That includes thoughts of suicide, overwhelming emotional distress, a mental health crisis, or a substance use crisis. You do not have to be suicidal to use it; if you are unsure where to turn, 988 is a good place to start.²

How do you reach 988, and what happens?

How to connect	What happens
Call 988	You are routed to a trained counselor at a local crisis center
Text 988	You exchange messages with a crisis counselor
Chat online	Connect through the 988 Lifeline website

A counselor listens without judgment, helps you through the immediate crisis, and shares resources or referrals. Most calls are resolved over the phone; only a small share ever involve emergency services.

How is 988 different from 911?

Use 988 for emotional, mental health, or substance use crises that need support and de-escalation. Use 911 for medical emergencies — including a suspected overdose, where someone is unresponsive or not breathing. When in doubt about a physical emergency, call 911 and, if opioids may be involved, give naloxone if available.

How does 988 connect to addiction help?

988 can support you through a substance use crisis and point you toward treatment, while the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) specializes in treatment referrals. From there, you can explore detox and browse Delaware treatment centers for ongoing care.

For free, confidential help any time, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.³ If you or someone you love is in crisis, call or text 988. For a medical emergency, call 911.