The Georgia Council on Substance Abuse has been a voice of Recovery in Georgia for over 20 years and operates the CARES Warm Line seven days a week, 365 days a year from 8:30 am until 11:00 pm. Peer support services are provided by CARES (Certified Addiction Recovery Empowerment Specialists), people in substance use and/or mental health recovery who have received special training and are certified by the State of Georgia to use their lived experience of recovery to support others. They are trained to listen, to meet people where they are in their recovery and wellness journey, and to provide emotional support. They also provide information about other community resources for recovery and wellness. The CARES Warm Line number is 1-844-326-5400.

Some people contact the CARES Warm Line every day to check in, stay connected, and avoid loneliness and isolation. Others contact us when they are experiencing distress need resource options for substance use disorders. Some reach out for emotional support in managing life challenges such as unemployment, loss, and anxiety.

Peers, family member or allies can call or text the toll-free number completely confidentially. The (CARES) who responds will ask for identifying information, but callers/texters are able to provide whatever information they are most comfortable providing.

The CARES Warm Line is not a crisis line. People who are experiencing or reporting a crisis situation should contact the Georgia Crisis and Access Line at 1-800-715-4225.

Due to increased call volume, there is a limited number of CARES able to answer calls. Participants may be asked to leave a message with a number where their call/text may be returned. Calls/texts are returned in the order they are received, so please leave a message if asked to do so, and you will receive a response within two hours, but usually much sooner. If you leave a message, please indicate if there are times when you would not like to be contacted. 

The CARES Warm Line also implemented an Assertive Telephone Outreach (ATO) program where peers can sign up to have a dedicated and trained peer recovery coach check in with them on a weekly basis.  The day and time for the check-in call or text is selected by the peer. Check-ins can either be done over the phone or through text also depending on the preference of the peer. Access the link below to sign up for ATO.