Substance misuse and gambling

Recent events have put a lot of pressure on people working in health and social care.  ​At challenging times like these, habits can form, or get out of hand. This can lead to long term, complex problems for the person involved, their friends, family, finances, work and physical and mental health.​

If you or your loved ones are struggling with alcohol, drugs or gambling, here's where to get help. ​​We also have details of services that can help you with giving up smoking.

Alcohol​

  • The NHS alcohol support page has signs to look out for and lots of resources ​
  • Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, call them free and in confidence
    Call: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm)
  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. Its "12 step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups​
  • Al-Anon Family Groups offers support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they're still drinking or not
  • National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) provides a free, confidential helpline for children of alcohol-dependent parents and others concerned about them. Call 0800 358 3456 for Nacoa helpline
     

SilverCloud for staff - Space from Alcohol Space from Alcohol modules on a phone screen

  • The Space from Alcohol programme encourages people to take a look at their relationship with alcohol, reflect on their drinking patterns and decide if they want to reduce or stop their drinking. 
  • It includes bite-size learning, facts and useful tools and techniques to help you. You can access it on your phone or laptop 24/7
  • It uses psychological approaches including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), in a confidential, judgement-free space.  You can choose to do it self-help, or with an online supporter. 

Try SilverCloud for Staff - Space from Alcohol 

 

Drugs​

  • The NHS drug addiction page has signs to look out for and a range of resources ​
  • Frank is a helpline for anyone concerned about drug or solvent misuse, drug misusers or their families, friends, carers
    Call: 0300 123 6600 (24Hr), SMS: 82111​
  • Adfam is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol. Adfam operates an online message board and a database of local support groups
     

Smoking

Nearly 6 million adults in England still smoke, and it remains the single biggest behavioural cause of preventable death, with 64,000 deaths a year.

If you’re a smoker, quitting is one of the best things you can do for your health, allowing you to start moving better, breathe more easily and reduce your risk of disease. It has also been shown to improve mood, and help relieve stress, anxiety and depression.

And if you can stop for 28 days, you have a five times higher chance of stopping for good.

Gambling​

  • The NHS gambling addiction page has signs to look out for and a range of resources ​
  • Gamblers Anonymous has groups who share experiences to solve common problems, a forum, chat room, literature, a meeting finder (meetings every day across England and Wales).
    Call: 0330 094 0322​
  • GamCare is a charity to help problem gamblers and their families and friends. They run the National Gambling Helpline (free and confidential), 24 hours a day offering treatment (online and over the phone for now), as well as a moderated Forum and daily chatrooms.​
  • Call: 0808 8020 133