If you or someone you know is in immediate, life-threatening danger, please call 911. For help, please call the University Campus Police (Emergency: 406-657-2222. Non-Emergency: 406-657-2147). For more resources or medical attention, please call Student Health Services (406-657-2153).

How to Help Yourself or a Friend

Are you concerned about your or a friend’s drinking? If so, you may be wondering how to get or give help. In order to help, you need to recognize the signs of alcohol abuse.

Common signs and symptoms of alcohol abuse:

  • Drinking to get drunk
  • Blackouts
  • Violent behavior
  • Missing class, not studying, and neglecting other responsibilities
  • Avoiding friends or peer groups
  • Starting to use additional drugs
  • Sudden mood or personality changes
  • Family history of alcohol or other drug abuse

Campus

Student Health Services

University Campus

  • (406) 657-2153
  • 2nd Floor, Petro Hall
  • Hours: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Mon - Fri

City College Campus

  • (406) 247-3027
  • Tech Building, 2nd floor
  • Mon & Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Tues & Wed:  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Counseling: Call for counseling appointments.

Community

Alcoholics Anonymous

  • 735 Grand Ave
  • (888) 607-2000

Rimrock Foundation

  • 406-248-3175
  • 1231 N 29th St

Billings Addiction Counseling LLC

  • (406) 860-4499
  • 208 N 29th St #236, Billings, MT 59101

Online

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse & Alcoholism

National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence

Aware Awake Alive

Addiction Center: College Binge Drinking 

For more information on how to find treatment options near you: Find Your Way to Alcohol Treatment | Navigator | NIAAA (nih.gov)

For more information on how to help a friend visit the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence, Inc. website. 

How to Help Yourself or a Friend

Are you concerned about a friend’s drug use? If so, you may be wondering how you can help. In order to help you need to recognize the signs of drug abuse.

Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse:

  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Avoiding friends or peer groups
  • Taking risks while using drugs, such as driving while on drugs or having unprotected sex
  • Getting into trouble with the law
  • Building up a drug tolerance
  • Sudden mood or personality changes
  • Losing interest in hobbies and other activities
  • Family history of alcohol or other drug abuse

How to help:

  • Communicate your concerns one-on-one in a private place and at an appropriate time.
  • Explain your concerns for your friend without making judgmental comments.
  • Recommend professional help and provide resources for where your friend can seek help.
  • Offer support, encouragement, and hope.

For more information on how to help a friend visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website.

Overcoming drug addiction

Helping someone

Campus

Student Health Services

University Campus

  • (406) 657-2153
  • 2nd Floor, Petro Hall
  • Hours: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Mon - Fri

City College Campus

  • (406) 247-3027
  • Tech Building, 2nd floor
  • Mon & Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Tues & Wed:  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Counseling: Call for counseling appointments.

Community

Rimrock Foundation

  • 406-248-3175
  • 1231 N 29th St

Billings Addiction Counseling LLC

  • (406) 860-4499
  • 208 N 29th St #236, Billings, MT 59101

Adult & Teen Challenge

  • Hotline: 877-302-7149
  • Billings location (Men)
    • 406-272-7220
    • 1019 Neptune Blvd, Billings, MT 59105
  • Missoula location (Women)
    • 406-543-1912
    • 3815 S 7th W, Missoula, MT 59804

Online

Campus

Student Health Services

University Campus

  • (406) 657-2153
  • 2nd Floor, Petro Hall
  • Hours: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Mon - Fri

City College Campus

  • (406) 247-3027
  • Tech Building, 2nd floor
  • Mon & Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Tues & Wed:  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Counseling: Call for counseling appointments.

Community Resources

Eating Disorder Center of Montana

Rimrock Foundation

  • 406-248-3175
  • 1231 N 29th St

Billings Addiction Counseling LLC

  • (406) 860-4499
  • 208 N 29th St #236, Billings, MT 59101

NAMI Billings

  • 406-256-2001
  • 3333 2nd Ave N Suite 150

Online Resources

National Eating Disorders Organization

  • Online chat
  • Call: 800-931-2237
  • Monday—Thursday 11am—9pm ET, Friday 11am—5pm ET
  • Translation services are available on the phone.
  • Text: 800-931-2237
  • Pilot hours: Monday—Thursday 3pm—6pm ET
  • Standard text messaging rates may apply.

Eating Disorder Hope

NAMI Eating Disorders

Find an eating disorder therapist

How to Help Yourself or a Friend

Take a free screening

How to help someone 

Campus

Student Health Services

University Campus

  • (406) 657-2153
  • 2nd Floor, Petro Hall
  • Hours: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Mon - Fri

City College Campus

  • (406) 247-3027
  • Tech Building, 2nd floor
  • Mon & Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Tues & Wed:  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Counseling: Call for counseling appointments.

Community Resources

Rimrock Foundation

  • 406-248-3175
  • 1231 N 29th St

Billings Addiction Counseling LLC

  • (406) 860-4499
  • 208 N 29th St #236, Billings, MT 59101

Montana Council on Program Gambling

  • Tel: 406-438-1276
  • Helpline: 888-900-9979

Online Resources

National Problem Gambling Helpline

  • Call: 1-800-522-4700
  • Text: 1-800-522-4700
  • Chat: ncpgambling.org/chat

Gamblers Anonymous 

  • A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others to recover from a gambling problem.

Gam-Anon 

  • A self-help organization for the spouse, family or close friends of compulsive gamblers.

GamTalk 

  • Is a 24/7 moderated online peer support forum.

More resources

How to Help Yourself or a Friend

Signs of addiction and how to quit: https://www.smartrecovery.org/marijuana-addiction/

Speak confidentially with a recovery expert for free: 1-866-572-8584

Learn cannabis addiction: https://www.hazeldenbettyford.org/addiction/types-of-addiction/marijuana

How to help someone quit: https://www.midwestrecoverycenters.com/how-to-help-someone-quit-marijuana/

Campus

Student Health Services

University Campus

  • (406) 657-2153
  • 2nd Floor, Petro Hall
  • Hours: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Mon - Fri

City College Campus

  • (406) 247-3027
  • Tech Building, 2nd floor
  • Mon & Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Tues & Wed:  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Counseling: Call for counseling appointments.

Community

Rimrock Foundation

  • 406-248-3175
  • 1231 N 29th St

Adult & Teen Challenge

  • Hotline: 877-302-7149
  • Billings location (Men)
    • 406-272-7220
    • 1019 Neptune Blvd, Billings, MT 59105
  • Missoula location (Women)
    • 406-543-1912
    • 3815 S 7th W, Missoula, MT 59804

Online

SAMHSA National Helpline

  • Confidential free help, from public health agencies, to find substance use treatment and information.
  • 1-800-662-4357

https://www.smartrecovery.org/marijuana-addiction/

https://www.addictioncenter.com/drugs/marijuana/treatment/

Marijuana Anonymous 

How to Help Yourself or a Friend

Struggling with a mental health challenge or illness can be difficult. The advice below does not replace assistance from health professionals. If you or someone you know is in danger, please call 911. For support, contact Student Health Services.

Value yourself:

Treat yourself with kindness and respect, and avoid self-criticism. Make time for your hobbies and favorite projects, or broaden your horizons. Do a daily crossword puzzle, plant a garden, take dance lessons, learn to play an instrument or become fluent in another language.

Take care of your body:

Taking care of yourself physically can improve your mental health. Be sure to:

  • Eat nutritious meals
  • Avoid smoking and vaping-- see Cessation Help
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Exercise, which helps decrease depression and anxiety and improve moods
  • Get enough sleep. Researchers believe that lack of sleep contributes to a high rate of depression in college students. 

Surround yourself with good people:

People with strong family or social connections are generally healthier than those who lack a support network. Make plans with supportive family members and friends, or seek out activities where you can meet new people, such as a club, class or support group.

Give yourself:

Volunteer your time and energy to help someone else. You'll feel good about doing something tangible to help someone in need — and it's a great way to meet new people. See Fun and Cheap Things to do in Ann Arbor for ideas.

Learn how to deal with stress:

Like it or not, stress is a part of life. Practice good coping skills: Try One-Minute Stress Strategies, do Tai Chi, exercise, take a nature walk, play with your pet or try journal writing as a stress reducer. Also, remember to smile and see the humor in life. Research shows that laughter can boost your immune system, ease pain, relax your body and reduce stress.

Quiet your mind:

Try meditating, Mindfulness and/or prayer. Relaxation exercises and prayer can improve your state of mind and outlook on life. In fact, research shows that meditation may help you feel calm and enhance the effects of therapy. To get connected, see spiritual resources on Personal Well-being for Students

Set realistic goals:

Decide what you want to achieve academically, professionally and personally, and write down the steps you need to realize your goals. Aim high, but be realistic and don't over-schedule. You'll enjoy a tremendous sense of accomplishment and self-worth as you progress toward your goal. Wellness Coaching, free to U-M students, can help you develop goals and stay on track. 

Break up the monotony:

Although our routines make us more efficient and enhance our feelings of security and safety, a little change of pace can perk up a tedious schedule. Alter your jogging route, plan a road-trip, take a walk in a different park, hang some new pictures or try a new restaurant. See Rejuvenation 101 for more ideas.

Avoid alcohol and other drugs:

Keep alcohol use to a minimum and avoid other drugs. Sometimes people use alcohol and other drugs to "self-medicate" but in reality, alcohol and other drugs only aggravate problems. For more information, see Alcohol and Other Drugs.

Get help when you need it:

Seeking help is a sign of strength — not a weakness. And it is important to remember that treatment is effective. People who get appropriate care can recover from mental illness and addiction and lead full, rewarding lives. See Resources for Stress and Mental Health for campus and community resources.

How to support someone with a mental health challenge: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/supporting-someone-mental-health-problem

Campus

Student Health Services

University Campus

  • (406) 657-2153
  • 2nd Floor, Petro Hall
  • Hours: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Mon - Fri

City College Campus

  • (406) 247-3027
  • Tech Building, 2nd floor
  • Mon & Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Tues & Wed:  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Counseling: Call for counseling appointments.

Community

National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) - Billings  

  • The National Alliance on Mental Illness is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for millions of Americans affected by mental illness. 
  • 406-256-2001  

Mental Health Center, Billings, MT  

  • The Mental Health Center offers the largest, most comprehensive adult outpatient mental health and addiction services and treatment.
  • Phone: 406-252-5658  
  • Toll Free: 1-800-266-7198 

Billings Behavioral Health Clinic, Billings, MT 

  • Billings Behavioral Health Clinic counseling services provides timely and cost-effective assistance for people who need counseling and personal or family support.
  • 406-238-2500 

Online

GoGrad.org 

  • GoGrad provides information on wellness strategies to help you recognize, understand and overcome the mental health issues in graduate school.

How to Help Yourself or a Friend

Are you concerned about a friend’s drug use? If so, you may be wondering how you can help. In order to help you need to recognize the signs of drug abuse.

Common signs and symptoms of drug abuse:

  • Neglecting responsibilities
  • Avoiding friends or peer groups
  • Taking risks while using drugs, such as driving while on drugs or having unprotected sex
  • Getting into trouble with the law
  • Building up a drug tolerance
  • Sudden mood or personality changes
  • Losing interest in hobbies and other activities
  • Family history of alcohol or other drug abuse

How to help:

  • Communicate your concerns one-on-one in a private place and at an appropriate time.
  • Explain your concerns for your friend without making judgmental comments.
  • Recommend professional help and provide resources for where your friend can seek help.
  • Offer support, encouragement, and hope.

For more information on how to help a friend visit the National Institute on Drug Abuse website.

Overcoming drug addiction: 

Overcoming drug addiction

Helping someone with addiction

Campus

Student Health Services

University Campus

  • (406) 657-2153
  • 2nd Floor, Petro Hall
  • Hours: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Mon - Fri

City College Campus

  • (406) 247-3027
  • Tech Building, 2nd floor
  • Mon & Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Tues & Wed:  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Counseling: Call for counseling appointments.

Community

Montana Region Narcotics Anonymous 

Rimrock Foundation

  • 406-248-3175
  • 1231 N 29th St

Billings Addiction Counseling LLC

  • (406) 860-4499
  • 208 N 29th St #236, Billings, MT 59101

Adult & Teen Challenge

  • Hotline: 877-302-7149
  • Billings location (Men)
    • 406-272-7220
    • 1019 Neptune Blvd, Billings, MT 59105
  • Missoula location (Women)
    • 406-543-1912
    • 3815 S 7th W, Missoula, MT 59804

Online

How to Help Yourself or a Friend:

CDC: Free quit guide 

How to help a friend or family member 

Campus

Student Health Services

University Campus

  • (406) 657-2153
  • 2nd Floor, Petro Hall
  • Hours: 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Mon - Fri

City College Campus

  • (406) 247-3027
  • Tech Building, 2nd floor
  • Mon & Thurs: 8:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., Tues & Wed:  8:30 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
  • Counseling: Call for counseling appointments.

Montana Tobacco Quit Line: 1-800-784-8669

  • A free personalized quit plan.
  • 5 free pro-active cessation coaching sessions.
  • 8 Weeks of free nicotine replacement therapy (gum, patches, or lozenges) available for callers engaged in the program.
  • Reduced cost cessation medication.
  • Staffed 7 days a week: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. MST with 24 hour voicemail. Please leave a message!

Community

Billings Clinic 

Rimrock Foundation

  • 406-248-3175
  • 1231 N 29th St

NAMI Billings

  • 406-256-2001
  • 3333 2nd Ave. N Suite

DPHHS 

Billings Addiction Counseling LLC

  • (406) 860-4499
  • 208 N 29th St #236, Billings, MT 59101

Online

American Indian Commercial Tobacco Quit Line

  • Free culturally sensitive coaching with Native American coaches.
  • 10 free coaching sessions.
  • Staffed M-F, 6 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. MST. Due to high-demand, callers may need to leave a message and call-back number. They may also call 1-800-Quit-Now and as for the American Indian Commercial Tobacco Program to set up a call-back from a Nation American coach. Coaches will return a call within 24 hours.

Quit Help for Pregnant Women and New Moms

  • Free personal female coach.
  • Free NRT during pregnancy and additional weeks postpartum.
  • 9 coaching calls during pregnancy and after delivery with cash incentives.

Become An Ex: Free cessation program

  • Rated one of the best free cessation programs.
  • A customized quit plan that learns and grow with you.
  • Text messages for support when quitting smoking or vaping.
  • Smart, interactive guide and tools for you to navigate your tobacco-free journey.
  • Expert advice and tips from the Mayo Clinic.
  • An active, supportive community of ex-tobacco users who have been through it all.

Free vaping cessation text messaging program for teens and young adults by the Truth Initiative.

  • Confidential, available 24/7.
  • Easy to enroll: Text TAKEDOWN to 887-09.

Tips for Quitting

American Lung Association

Truth

Kill the Can