for a seizure, unconsciousness, serious breathing difficulty, suspected life-threatening overdose, severe confusion or hallucinations during alcohol withdrawal, or another immediate threat to life.
You can use the sections below to go deeper, or jump using “On this page”.
Urgent but not immediately life-threatening
Use NHS 111 online or call 111 if you think you need medical help now but it is not a 999 emergency. NHS 111 can direct you to urgent physical or mental-health care.[NHS]
Urgent mental-health help
If you need urgent help for your mental health, NHS guidance advises using 111 and selecting the mental-health option or asking for an urgent GP appointment. If there is immediate danger to life, call 999.
Alcohol withdrawal
If you are dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly can be dangerous. Get medical advice before trying to stop if you develop withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, tremor, nausea or vomiting. Severe symptoms such as marked shaking, confusion, hallucinations or a seizure need emergency assessment.
If you are with someone who may have overdosed
Call 999. Tell the call handler what you know about the substance and amount. Follow their instructions. If opioid overdose is suspected and naloxone is available, use it according to its instructions while emergency help is on the way.
What this page is anchored to
We summarise guidance in original plain English. Open the primary sources if you want to check the underlying recommendations.
If you feel unable to keep yourself safe
Seek urgent professional help. You can also call Samaritans on 116 123 for confidential listening support, but an immediate threat to life requires emergency services.
This page provides general educational information and does not replace assessment or advice from a healthcare professional. If you are worried about severe withdrawal, overdose, immediate danger or a mental health emergency, use our urgent help guidance.