Getting Help

We can’t always deal with problems on our own, and we sometimes need help from others.

If you live in the UK, here’s how you can get help with drugs and volatile substance abuse problems –

The National Drugs Helpline is the free, confidential, 24-hour service that provides information and advice on drugs. Phone free 0800 77 66 00

Childline is the free national helpline for children in trouble or danger. A 24-hour counselling service for any child or young person with any problem. Free call on 0800 11 11

AdFam is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol and is a leading agency in substance related family work. It provides a range of publications and resources for families about substances and criminal justice and operates an online message board and searchable database of local support groups that helps families hear about and talk to people who understand their situation. Adfam runs a range of training programmes on substances and family support. It also operates direct support services at London prisons for families of prisoners with drug problems. A list of resources is available online at www.adfam.org.uk

Quitline can help you stop smoking. Call 0171 487 3000

The Health Education Authority (HEA) produce drug prevention publicity materials. They can be ordered from: PO Box 105, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9BR. Telephone 01304 614 731

In Scotland, contact the Health Education Board for Scotland at Woodburn House, Canaan Lane, Edinburgh, EH10 4SG. Telephone: 0131 447 804

In Wales, contact the Health Promotion Authority for Wales at 8th Floor, Brunel House, 2 Fitzalan Road, Cardiff. Telephone: 01222 752 222

In Northern Ireland, contact the Health Promotion Agency for Northern Ireland (HPANI), Ormeau Avenue, Belfast.

For help in dealing with an emergency, see the ‘Advice’ pages on this site