How to avoid scams when looking for drug treatment

August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day — a day to commemorate those lost to a drug overdose, support their surviving families, and dedicate resources to end overdose. One way the FTC is working to help people and families dealing with substance use disorders is by cracking down on companies that try to manipulate or deceive people seeking treatment. If you search online to find help, know that dishonest businesses could use search result scams to steer you their way. Here are some things to know when searching online for drug treatment help.

Your top search results online are often paid ads — including when you search for substance use disorder treatment clinics. Dishonest businesses sometimes advertise on search engines using the names of real treatment centers, but list their own contact information. So when you call, you might reach the imposter business — not the real one you were looking for — making it harder to get the care you’re after. 

Have a specific treatment clinic you’re interested in? When searching online, review the results carefully before clicking on the ad or calling the number. And take a closer look at any program or center you find before sending them any money or giving them any of your personal information.

To get real help near you, start at FindTreatment.gov.

Spot a dishonest business? Tell the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov.

Know someone else who could use this information? Share this video (below) on your social media page.