Substance guides

When to go to the ER for addiction: Emergency situations

Published January 1, 2025 · 7 min read · Updated April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals.

Some addiction situations are medical emergencies requiring immediate ER care.

Go to the ER for

Suspected overdose (unresponsive, slow breathing, blue lips). Alcohol withdrawal seizures or DTs. Severe benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms. Suicidal thoughts with plan or intent. Chest pain during or after stimulant use. High fever during withdrawal. Uncontrolled vomiting causing dehydration.

What happens at the ER

Medical stabilization. Withdrawal management. Psychiatric evaluation if needed. Bridge prescriptions. Treatment referrals. Many ERs now have addiction medicine consultants.

After the ER

ER stabilization is not treatment. Follow-up care is essential. Ask for treatment referrals before discharge. Many hospitals now have warm handoff programs to connect ER patients with treatment.

Authoritative sources

This article references guidelines from: SAMHSA · NIDA · ASAM

Frequently asked questions

Should I go to the ER for addiction?

For overdose, withdrawal seizures, chest pain, suicidal thoughts, or severe medical symptoms, yes. For non-emergency treatment needs, start with your doctor or SAMHSA.

Will the ER help with addiction?

ERs provide medical stabilization and increasingly offer treatment referrals and bridge prescriptions.

Can the ER prescribe Suboxone?

Increasingly yes. Many ERs now initiate buprenorphine for opioid use disorder with follow-up referral.

Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.