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Getting help for drug problems

If you need treatment for drug problems, you are entitled to NHS care. This NHS Guide to Drug Treatment explains what to expect. Many people start by approaching their GP who can then refer them into treatment. Treatment may be at the GPs practice or at a local drug and alcohol service. It is also possible to contact drug services direct, without going to your GP.

The Frank website has a directory of Drug treatment services that provide counselling and treatment in England and the Frank drugs helpline (0300 123 6600) can give information on the different types of service available. Private treatment is also available but can be very expensive unless you get a referral through the NHS.

Once you are registered with a service they will talk you through your options and agree a treatment plan with you. You’ll also be given a keyworker, who will support you throughout your treatment.

Treatment types
Treatment depends on personal circumstances and may include a number of different strategies:

**Talking therapies** – Talking therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, can be valuable in helping you to see how your thoughts and feelings affect your behaviour.

**Detoxification (detox)** – Detox is usually for those people who want to stop taking opioids like heroin. Detoxification can help you change to a medication or stop taking drugs completely.

**Reducing harm** – There are many ways in which you can reduce the harms that drug and alcohol use can cause. Your local drug service can help with this, for example by providing testing and treatment for hepatitis/HIV and providing a needle exchange service.

**Treatment with medicines** – If you’re dependent on heroin or another opioid, you may find it helps to take a different drug, such as methadone or buprenorphine. Using a substitute drug means that you no longer have to worry about withdrawal symptoms or having to source drugs yourself.

**Self-help** – Some people find support groups helpful. These groups are a place for people who are experiencing issues with drugs and alcohol to come together and help each other.

**Residential rehabilitation** – For some people staying away in a service that is dedicated to rehabilitation is the best option.

Finding a service

FRANK – Support near you – England – A searchable database of local and national services that provide counselling and treatment in England. FRANK also offers a live chat facility on their website, email support, an SMS number – 82111 and a 24 hour telephone helpline – 0300 123 6600.

NHS Choices: Find a drug treatment service – Enables you to search for a service by your town or postcode.

DDN: A free resource providing information on residential treatment options

SDF: Scottish drugs services directory

Wales: Drug and Alcohol Helpline

Northern Ireland: Drug and Alcohol directories of services

Helplines

FRANK – Confidential advice on drugs can be obtained by telephone – 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – on 0300 123 6600, text on 82111, email, or live chat, which operates from 2pm – 6pm, 7 days a week.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) – (Peer support) NA members support each other to stay drug free and to help others achieve and maintain a drug free recovery and lifestyle, often through regular meetings. They have a helpline that is open 10am – midnight every day on 0300 999 1212.

Cocaine Anonymous – (Peer support) Cocaine Anonymous describes itself as a fellowship of people sharing their experience, strength and hope so that they may help themselves and others to recover from their addiction. Their helpline is open 10am – 10pm every day on 0800 612 0225.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) – (Peer support) AA is concerned with the personal recovery and continued sobriety of individual alcoholics who turn to the Fellowship for help. They have a helpline that is open from 10am – 10pm every day on 0800 917 7650.

DrugFAM – DrugFAM is there to support families, friends, partners and significant others coping with a loved one’s addiction to drugs, alcohol or gambling. They also support those bereaved by drugs, alcohol and related causes. Their helpline is available on 0207 4984 680 from 9am – 9pm every day.

Help for Families

Adfam – Adfam has a database of family support services. They also currently offer one to one remote support sessions via Zoom or phone to adults across the UK affected by someone else’s substance use.

Nacoa: Nacoa provides information, advice and support for everyone affected by a parent’s drinking

Kinship – This organisation provides help and support for all kinship carers – the grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles, and family friends who step up to raise children when their parents can’t.

Legal issues

Release – Founded back in 1967, Release is the national centre of expertise on drugs and drugs law. They provide free non-judgmental, specialist advice and information to the public and professionals on issues related to drug use and to drug laws.