Substance misuse and gambling support
Substance misuse advice and support services
The coronavirus emergency placed great strain on the physical and mental wellbeing of NHS staff – including those working on the NHS frontline and, by association, those close to them. We have commissioned various support offers for health and care staff across a range of areas, there is advice, guidance and support available around drug and alcohol issues for individuals and/or their family members. Early access to appropriate information can help to deal with the issues effectively and reduce/stop the harm.
NHS
- Drugs: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/drug-addiction-getting-help/
- Alcohol: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-support/
Frank
Helpline for anyone concerned about drug or solvent misuse. Advice and information for drug misusers, their families, friends, carers. (Formerly known as the National Drugs Helpline).
Website: www.talktofrank.com
Helpline: 0300 123 6600 (24Hr)
SMS: 82111
Live chat via website
email support,
Find a Frank support near you
Release
Free and confidential drugs helpline that also provides free legal advice on drug issues for people who use drugs and their families.
Website: www.release.org.uk/
Helpline: 0207 324 2989
Email: ask@release.og.uk
Addaction
Addaction provide a free, confidential webchat service to those in need of addiction support or for their families.
Website: https://www.addaction.org.uk/
Webchat: www.addaction.org.uk/webchat
Families Anonymous
Telephone helpline and other support services for families and friends of drug users. Throughout UK there are around 50 groups offering help and support to members via a 12 step programme.
Website: www.famanon.org.uk
Helpline: 020 7498 4680
DrugFam
Phone and email support for families, friends and partners affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use.
Website: https://www.drugfam.co.uk/
Helpline: 0300 888 3853
Email: office@drugfam.co.uk
Gambling issues advice and support
Gambling takes many different forms, for example, betting on sports, card games (poker and blackjack) slot machines, National Lottery, Bingo and famous horse races such as the Grand National. According to the nhs.uk, there could be as many as 593,000 problem gamblers in Great Britain. Many people are unaware they have a gambling problem.
Problem or compulsive gambling can have devastating consequences on individuals and families, affecting all areas of life, including relationships, health, work and self-esteem. If you think you need help or have identified someone that needs support, here are some offers that you might find useful.
Problem gambling can negatively impact on all areas of life, including relationships, health, work and self-esteem. There is lots of help and advice available, not only for gamblers but also for their friends and family and information on help available is included below.
Sources of advice
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience with each other to solve common problems. Aids including a forum, a chat room, literature and a meeting finder (meetings take place every day of the week across England and Wales).
Helpline: 0330 094 0322
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk/
GamCare is a charity dedicated to helping problem gamblers and their families and friends;
- GamCare operates the National Gambling Helpline (free and confidential), providing information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms (including gamblers as well as family and friends who are impacted). Advisers are available 24 hours a day on Freephone 0808 8020 133 or via web chat at www.gamcare.org.uk.
- GamCare also offer a range of free treatment services (online and over the phone for now), as well as a moderated Forum and daily chatrooms so that people can speak to others experiencing similar issues and seek support. See www.gamcare.org.uk/get-support for more information.
- GamCare has developed a self-assessment tool that can help people find out more about their gambling behaviour and how it impacts on their life. Answering a series of statements will then provide people with a breakdown of how gambling affects their life, including time spent gambling, stakes risked, finances and relationships. For further information, visit the GamCare website.
NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/healthy-body/gambling-addiction/