I am worried about drugs or alcohol
You might be concerned about how much you drink, how often you use drugs, or whether either is affecting your health, relationships, work or everyday life.
Perhaps you have tried to cut down but found it difficult. Perhaps you use alcohol or drugs to cope with stress, anxiety, loneliness or painful experiences.
Or you might simply have a feeling that something needs to change.
You do not need to reach a crisis before asking for support.
There are organisations that can listen, explain your options and help you decide what you want to do next.
Jacob's House helps you find established support services throughout the UK.
Do you need urgent medical help?
If someone has collapsed, is unconscious, is having a seizure, has serious difficulty breathing, or you suspect a life-threatening overdose, call emergency services.
999Tell the ambulance service what you know about any alcohol, drugs or medication that may have been taken.
If you need urgent medical advice but there is no immediate threat to life, contact NHS 111 where available.
Important: stopping alcohol suddenly
If you drink heavily or regularly and have become physically dependent on alcohol, stopping suddenly can be dangerous.
Alcohol withdrawal can cause shaking, sweating, confusion, hallucinations and seizures.
Speak to a GP or specialist alcohol service before trying to stop drinking if you may be dependent.
Severe withdrawal symptoms, including seizures or severe confusion, require emergency medical attention.
You can read more on the NHS alcohol-use disorder page.
Find support
Choose the organisation that best matches what you need.
Confidential advice about drugs
FRANK
Information and confidential advice about drugs, their effects and risks, and where to find help.
You can contact FRANK whether you are worried about yourself or someone else.
0300 123 6600Telephone support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You can also text a question to 82111. Standard text charges may apply.
Contact FRANKWorried about drinking?
Drinkline
Free, confidential advice for people concerned about their own drinking or someone else's.
0300 123 1110Monday to Friday: 9am to 8pm.
Weekends: 11am to 4pm.
Free specialist support
WithYou
Free, confidential support with drugs and alcohol, including advice about cutting down, stopping or reducing harm.
WithYou operates local services in England and Scotland and offers online chat with trained recovery workers seven days a week.
Find WithYou supportFind an alcohol service
NHS — England
Search for alcohol addiction support services in England.
Services may include assessment, counselling, medical treatment and recovery support.
Find NHS alcohol supportSupport for stopping drinking
Alcoholics Anonymous
Peer support meetings for people who want to stop drinking.
AA is a mutual-help fellowship rather than a medical treatment service.
Visit Alcoholics AnonymousWorried about another person?
Adfam
Information and support for families and friends affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use.
You can seek help for yourself even if the other person is not ready to make changes.
Visit AdfamIf you are under 18
If you are worried about your own drinking or drug use, or someone is pressuring you to take substances, you can speak to a trusted adult or a specialist support service.
Childline offers confidential support for children and young people under 19 throughout the UK.
Telephone: 0800 1111
Visit ChildlineWhat if you are not ready to stop?
You can still ask for help.
Some services can support you to understand the risks, make safer choices, reduce harm or consider changes at your own pace.
You do not need to know exactly what you want before speaking to someone.
If you are taking prescribed medication or may be physically dependent on a substance, seek medical advice before making sudden changes.
Drugs, alcohol and mental health
Drug or alcohol use can sometimes be connected with anxiety, depression, trauma, loneliness or other difficulties.
It is possible to seek support for both substance use and mental health.
If your mental health is worrying you, you can also visit our page:
I am worried about my mental healthAbout Jacob's House
Jacob's House helps people throughout the United Kingdom find established organisations offering specialist support.
We do not provide addiction treatment, medical advice, counselling or emergency services.
You do not need to register or provide personal information to Jacob's House to use these resources.
