Alcohol and substance use

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If you feel like you're having problems with drinking, drug use or addiction, or you're worried about someone else's drug or alcohol use, there are many ways to get help and support. Here in these pages, we have information about organisations and services who can help.

Many of us enjoy an alcoholic drink as part of our social life, or as a way to relax. Drinking within certain limits is fine, but it can be easy for us to lose track of how much we are drinking, and to slip into the habit of drinking too much on a regular basis.

One You has support, information and a mobile 'app' which you can download to your phone that offers reminders, support and practical advice to change your drinking habits for good.

drinks-meter is another app which lets you compare your drinking to thousands of other people around the world as well as to national guidelines, and includes information about how drinking may be affecting your health. You can keep track of your drinking week by week, over time.

Most recreational drugs are illegal in the UK, but are still used widely by people in all areas of society. People use drugs to relax and have fun, to try to reduce stress and anxiety, or because they have developed an addiction. Many people use drugs, or know other people who use drugs, without knowing anything about what they are taking, and about the potential harm they can cause.

If you need a quick introduction to some of the most commonly used drugs - and some of the drugs that cause the most worry - you can visit the FRANK website. It has an A-Z list of drugs, outlining the risks of taking them and their legal status. The list describes the appearance of different drugs, the way they are used, their effects, the chances of getting hooked, health risks and UK law. FRANK also has a free helpline - tel 0300 1236600

And drugs-meter tells you how your drug use compares to other people just like you.

BOB (Build on Belief) is a peer-led website for anyone living in Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, or Hammersmith and Fulham, who is affected by problems with alcohol or substance misuse. It provides a wealth of information and advice, with details of local support groups and services.

Drinkaware is a national independent charity whose website has a wealth of useful information and tips on reducing alcohol consumption and drinking sensibly.

The Easy Health website has gathered together various easy-read leaflets which will help people with learning disabilities to understand more about the effects of alcohol.

Last updated: 12/07/2021

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