If you think you need help with an addiction, or you are concerned about a family member then do not wait. Support is available.
In some instances an addiction crisis can be life threatening. If you are concerned about the physical symptoms of alcohol withdrawal contact your GP or 111 or in an emergency dial 999.
Read more about alcohol withdrawal here
Taking drugs, such as opiates, after a period of abstinence increases the risk of overdose. If an overdose is suspected dial 999 immediately.
If you don’t need urgent medical care then reach out to your GP (try to find one with a speciality in addiction), community services, charities like Action on Addiction or peer support groups such as AA, NA, or GA. See menu to the right for our useful list of phone numbers and websites.
If you have relapsed, reach out to your sponsor or other person/people who have been helping you, and the support networks you previously developed as part of your recovery.
Relapse can happen, it’s important not to be ashamed of this and to reach out to these people, friends or family and organisations that can support you. A relapse doesn’t mean failure. It can be addressed, and you can return a stable recovery.
Whether you've relapsed or your experience with addiction is new, please get help. If in lockdown you have found that an addictive behaviour such as excessive drinking, using drugs or gambling has increased to such an extent that you have experienced emotional, physical or financial consequences, or it is adversely impacting your family or children, please seek help. If your relationship with a substance or a behaviour has become more important than your relationship with yourself or your loved ones, help is available.
Addiction can happen to anyone at any point in life. It is nothing to be ashamed of and getting help can save and transform your life.
You can ask for help from you GP, 111, 999 (in an emergency,) charities, community services and peer support networks. If you think you need treatment contact us on 0330 330 0659, via the contact page or send us an email.