I'm worried about my drug or alcohol use - where can I get support?
In an emergency mental health crisis you can contact these helplines:
Oxleas Mental Health Crisis Line, 24/7 service for Bexley, Bromley, and Greenwich residents
0800 330 8590
Samaritans, operating 24/7
116 123
National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK, operating 24/7
0800 689 5652
Shout, 24/7 text support service
Text SHOUT to 85258
Switchboard, LGBT+ service operating 10am-10pm every day
0300 330 0630
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a rise in the number of drug, and alcohol related deaths.
The effects of the pandemic on our mental wellness should not be understated, if you are suffering from alcohol, or drug addiction, or know friends, or family members that do, help is available for you.
Support services:
Alcoholics Anonymous(AA)/ Narcotics Anonymous(NA)
AA, and NA is a support group of men, and women who share their experiences of substance addiction with one another. Like the name suggests, these support groups are anonymous, and keep no membership files, or attendance records, participants disclose whatever they wish to disclose. AA & NA members strive to stop alcohol, and drug use completely.
Alcohol change UK
Alcohol Change UK is a leading UK alcohol charity, formed from the merger of Alcohol Concern and Alcohol Research UK with links to lots of different support services and Apps.
Drinkaware
Drinkaware provides tips, and guidance on how to reduce your drinking, take a break from drinking, or stop drinking completely. They even have an app you can download to track your alcohol intake, and change your drinking habits.
Frank
Frank is a website that contains honest information about the effects, and risks of various drugs. They include information about fake, and potentially deadly versions of well known drugs, and the dangers of mixing certain drugs. They also have a directory where you can find local addiction treatment services.
Turning Point, and WPD
Turning Point provide personalized support centered around each person’s individual circumstances, and addiction problems. They also provide peer mentorship, and employment support to help someone dealing with such issues get back on their feet.
South London and Maudsley NHS trust, Needle Exchange
Safely disposing used equipment, and exchanging them for clean, and sterile equipment prevents transmission of blood borne viruses such as Hepatitis C, or HIV. On the trust website, you can find a list of drug projects, or pharmacies that offer needle exchange services.
Adfam
Adfam is a national charity that deals with the effects of drugs, and alcohol use on family members, and friends.
Its website has helpful tips on how best to support a loved one dealing with substance misuse, and contains a directory of support groups, webchats, helplines, social media groups, and even has a forum where people share their experiences.
National Association of children of Alcoholics(Nacoa)
Nacoa is a charity that addresses the needs of children growing up in families where one, or both parents suffer from alcoholism, or a similar addictive problem. Their website contains helpful advice, and resources for support, adapted for children of all age groups, including adult children.
WPD
WDP is a drug and alcohol charity committed to helping those who are affected by substance misuse. The service is free and confidential and open to all residents of Greenwich aged 18+.
