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Refer Yourself to NHS Drug and Alcohol Support Services

Last updated by Peer reviewed by Dr Doug McKechnie
Last updated Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

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If you have a problem with drug addiction or alcohol, remember, you’re not on your own and there are lots of support services to help you. Written by a GP.

Refer Yourself to NHS Drug and Alcohol Support Services

In this article

Are you worried about your relationship with alcohol? Acknowledging you have a problem with drinking is the first step to getting help.

The UK Chief Medical Officer advises not to drink more than 14 units of alcohol a week (spread over several days and with at least a couple of alcohol-free days a week) on a regular basis, to keep health risks to a low level.

One unit means 10 ml of pure alcohol. But alcoholic drinks come in a variety of strengths and sizes, so it's not always easy to work out how many units you're drinking. A good guide is 14 units is equivalent to six pints of average strength beer, or six medium (175 ml) glasses of average strength wine a week.

A lot of people don't know how much they're drinking, if it's within the recommended limits and whether they should take action. DrinkAware has a self-assessment tool that may give you an idea of your drinking habits and what to do next.

Your drinking may be a problem if:

  • You find yourself 'needing' an alcoholic drink.
  • You get into trouble because of your drinking.
  • Other people are concerned about your drinking.
  • You think alcohol is causing you problems.

If one or more of these bullets apply to you, it's a good idea to visit your GP. They'll be able to suggest the different types of assessment and alcohol support options available to you.

Speaking with your doctor is especially important if you have become physically dependent on alcohol because stopping overnight could be harmful. You may need medication to do this safely.

If this doesn't apply to you, or you don't want to make an appointment with your GP, there may be alcohol support services in your local area you can access without being referred. Check the links below.

Perhaps you've realised that you're not in full control of your drug use, and it's causing problems in your life? If you have a problem with drug addiction, remember, you're not on your own. You're entitled to NHS care just like everybody else, and there are lots of support services to help you.

It's not just recreational drugs that can cause trouble; prescription or over-the-counter tablets can also lead to dependency issues too. If you find you've been hiding the number of pills you're taking or lying about your symptoms to obtain more medication, you need support.

Your GP is a good place to start if you're unsure how to get help. They can discuss your problems with you confidentially and find a treatment to get you drug-free.

But if you're not comfortable talking with your doctor, you can approach your local drug treatment service yourself, without a referral. You can use the links below if you know which city or Integrated Care Board (ICB) your GP is in.

If you are not sure which ICB you live in, you can find out by entering your postcode in this tool.

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Ashford, Kenthttps://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/our-services/community-drug-and-alcohol-services/ashford-hub/
Barking and Dagenhamhttps://www.changegrowlive.org
Barnethttps://www.changegrowlive.org/barnet/info
Barnsleyhttps://www.talktofrank.com/treatment-centre/barnsley-young-persons-service
Basildon and Brentwoodhttps://www.changegrowlive.org
Bassetlawhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/
Bath and North East Somersetwww.dhi-online.org.uk
Bedfordshirewww.aquarius.org.uk
Berkshire Westhttps://info.westberks.gov.uk/substancemisuse
Bexleyhttps://www.bexley.gov.uk/services/public-health/drug-and-alcohol-services
Birmingham and Solihullwww.changegrowlive.org
Blackburn with Darwen

https://inspirelancs.org.uk/access-our-service/refer-yourself/

https://bewellbwd.com/a-z-services/drug-and-alcohol-service-for-young-people/

Blackpoolwww.horizonblackpool.uk
Boltonhttps://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/achieve/
Bradford Citywww.changegrowlive.org
Bradford Districtswww.changegrowlive.org
Brent
https://www.wdp.org.uk/brent (over-21s)
https://www.wdp.org.uk/brent-elev8 (under-21s)
Brighton and Hovewww.wearewithyou.org.uk
Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershirehttps://www.dhi-online.org.uk/get-help/adult-drug-alcohol-treatment/bristol-roads
Bromleywww.changegrowlive.org
Buckinghamshirewww.onerecoverybucks.org
Buryhttps://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/achieve/
Calderdalewww.calderdaleinrecovery.com
Cambridgeshire and Peterboroughhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/change-grow-live-cambridgeshire-cambridge
Camdenhttps://www.camden.gov.uk/drug-alcohol-help?inheritRedirect=true
Cannock Chasewww.onerecovery.org.uk
Canterburyhttps://www.talktofrank.com/treatment-centre/east-kent-community-drug-and-alcohol-service-canterbury-and-swale
Castle Point and Rochford

https://www.castlepoint.gov.uk/other-health-support/

https://www.rochford.gov.uk/other-health-support

Central London (Westminster)https://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/drug-and-alcohol-support.html
Chorley and South Ribblewww.wearewithyou.org.uk
City and Hackneyhttps://www.turning-point.co.uk/services/city-hackney
Coastal West Sussex https://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-wellbeing-network-west-sussex/hubs
Corbyhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/substance-to-solution-northamptonshire/corby
Coventry and Rugbyhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/CGL-coventry
Crawleyhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-wellbeing-network-west-sussex/hubs
Croydonwww.turning-point.co.uk
Darlingtonhttp://www.darlingtonrecoveryservice.co.uk/
Dartford, Gravesham and Swanleyhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/west-kent-drug-alcohol-wellbeing-service-cgl-gravesend
Derby and Derbyshire ICB/https://www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk/
Devonhttps://www.edp.org.uk/get-help/
Doncasterwww.aspire.community
Dorsetwww.edasuk.org
Dudleyhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/atlantic-recovery-centre-dudley/info
Durham Dales, Easington and Sedgefieldhttps://codurhamdrugalcoholrecovery.co.uk/
Ealingwww.changegrowlive.org
East and North Hertfordshirehttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/spectrum-hertfordshire-drug-alcohol-services-hertford
East Berkshirehttp://servicesguide.reading.gov.uk/kb5/reading/directory/advice.page?id=dQvsu-JWZpE
East Kenthttps://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/support-type/drug-alcohol-support/
East Lancashirehttps://www.changegrowlive.org/inspire-east-lancashire
East Leicestershire and Rutlandhttp://wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/leicestershire/
East Riding of Yorkshirehttps://www.humber.nhs.uk/Services/east-riding-partnership.htm
East Staffordshirehttps://www.uk-rehab.com/rehab-locations/staffordshire/stafford/one-recovery/
East Surreyhttps://www.surreydrugandalcohol.com/
Eastbourne, Hailsham and Seafordhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/east-sussex-drug-and-alcohol-recovery-service-star
Eastern Cheshire

https://www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/livewell/health-matters/health-conditions/drug-and-substance-misuse/drug-and-substance-misuse.aspx

Enfieldhttp://www.beh-mht.nhs.uk/services/enable-enfield-alcohol-and-drug-service/189
Erewashhttp://www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk/
Fareham and Gosporthttps://www.inclusionhants.org/online-referral/
Fylde and Wyrehttps://www.changegrowlive.org/inspire-north-central-lancashire/fleetwood
Gloucestershirehttps://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-recovery-service-gloucestershire/gloucester
Great Yarmouth and Waveneyhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/norfolk-alcohol-and-drug-behaviour-change-service-great-yarmouth/self-referral
Greater Huddersfieldhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/chart-kirklees
Greater Prestonhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/inspire-north-central-lancashire/preston
Greenwichhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/local-support/find-a-service
Guildford and Waverleyhttps://www.surreydrugandalcohol.com/
Haltonhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/integrated-recovery-halton/widnes
Hambleton, Richmondshire and Whitbyhttps://www.nyhorizons.org.uk/index.php/get-help/
Hammersmith and Fulhamwww.changegrowlive.org
Hardwickhttps://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/social-health/health-and-wellbeing/your-health/drug-and-alcohol-support/alcohol-and-drugs-support.aspx
Haringeyhttps://www.haringey.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/public-health/alcohol-and-drugs
Harrogate and Rural Districthttp://www.nyhorizons.org.uk/
Harrowhttp://www.harrow.gov.uk/info/100010/health_and_social_care/1684/adult_substance_misuse_services
Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Teeshttps://www.changegrowlive.org/recovery-service-stockton/info
Hastings and Rotherhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/east-sussex-drug-and-alcohol-recovery-service-star
Haveringhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/aspire-havering
Herefordshirehttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
Herts Valleyshttps://www.changegrowlive.org/spectrum-hertfordshire-drug-alcohol-services
Heywood, Middleton and Rochdalehttps://www.selfhelpservices.org.uk/directory-of-services/search/substance+misuse/blank/
High Weald Lewes Havenshttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/east-sussex-drug-and-alcohol-recovery-service-star
Hillingdonhttps://www.talktofrank.com/treatment-centre/arch-hillingdon
Horsham and Mid Sussexhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-wellbeing-network-west-sussex
Hounslowhttps://www.changegrowlive.org
Hullhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/hull-renew
Ipswich and East Suffolkhttps://www.turning-point.co.uk/
Isle of Wighthttps://www.inclusion.org/our-services/drug-alcohol-services/
Islingtonhttps://www.candi.nhs.uk/our-services/better-lives-islingtons-drug-and-alcohol-service
Kernowhttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/?query=kernow
Kingstonhttps://www.kingstonwellbeingservice.org/
Knowsleyhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/knowsley-integrated-recovery-service
Lambethwww.lambeth-drug-alcohol.co.uk
Leedshttps://www.forwardleeds.co.uk/
Leicester Cityhttp://www.wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/Leicestershire
Lewishamhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/new-direction-lewisham
Lincolnshire Easthttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/?query=lincolnshire+east
Lincolnshire Westhttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/?query=lincolnshire+west
Liverpoolwww.actiononaddiction.org.uk
Lutonhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/resolutions-luton-drug-alcohol-service/adult-self-referral-form
Manchesterhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/manchester
Mansfield and Ashfieldhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/nottinghamshire/our-hubs
Medwayhttp://wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/medway/
Mertonhttps://www.merton.gov.uk/healthy-living/alcohol-drugs-and-substance-abuse
Mid Essexhttps://www.openroad.org.uk/help-support/self-referral/
Milton Keyneshttps://www.cnwl.nhs.uk/services/mental-health-services/addictions-and-substance-misuse/arc-milton-keynes/
Morecambe Bayhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/inspire-north-central-lancashire/morecambe
Nenehttps://www.changegrowlive.org
Newark and Sherwoodhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/nottinghamshire/referrals
Newcastle Gatesheadhttps://www.newcastle.gov.uk/health-and-social-care/alcohol-drugs-and-substance-abuse/drugs-and-alcohol-service-for-adults
Newhamhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/rise-newham/hubs
North Cumbriahttps://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/achieve
North Derbyshirehttp://www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk/
North Durhamhttps://codurhamdrugalcoholrecovery.co.uk/
North East Essexhttps://www.openroad.org.uk/help-support/self-referral/
North East Hampshire and Farnhamhttps://www.inclusion.org/our-services/drug-alcohol-services/
North East Lincolnshirehttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/north-east-lincolnshire/
North Hampshirehttps://www.inclusion.org/our-services/drug-alcohol-services/
North Kirkleeshttps://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-kirklees
North Lincolnshirehttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/north-lincolnshire/
North Norfolkhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/norfolk-alcohol-and-drug-behaviour-change-service-norwich
North Staffordshirehttps://www.staffstreatmentandrecovery.co.uk/
North Tynesidehttps://www.turning-point.co.uk/ntrp
North West Surreyhttps://www.surreydrugandalcohol.com/
Northern, Eastern and Western Devonhttps://www.edp.org.uk/get-help/
Northumberlandhttps://www.talktofrank.com/treatment-centre/northumberland-recovery-partnership-ashington
Norwichhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/norfolk-alcohol-and-drug-behaviour-change-service-norwich/self-referral
Nottingham Cityhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/the-place-nottingham/info
Nottingham North and Easthttps://www.changegrowlive.org/nottinghamshire/referrals
Nottingham Westhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/nottinghamshire/referrals
Oldhamhttp://wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/rochdale-and-oldham/
Oxfordshirewww.turning-point.co.uk
Portsmouthhttps://www.talktofrank.com/treatment-centre/portsmouth-recovery-hub
Redbridgehttps://www.viaorg.uk/services/redbridge-r3/
Redditch and Bromsgrovehttps://www.talktofrank.com/treatment-centre/cranstoun-worcestershire-redditch
Richmondhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/local-support/find-a-service
Rotherhamhttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/rotherham-roads-rotherham-alcohol-and-drug-service/
Rushcliffehttps://www.changegrowlive.org/nottinghamshire/referrals
Salfordhttps://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/achieve/
Sandwell and West Birminghamhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-birmingham/central-west
Scarborough and Ryedalehttp://www.nyhorizons.org.uk/
Sheffieldwww.changegrowlive.org
Shropshirewww.wearewithyou.org.uk
Somersethttps://www.turning-point.co.uk/sdas
South Cheshirehttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/cheshire-east-drug-and-alcohol-service
South Devon and Torbayhttps://www.torbayandsouthdevon.nhs.uk/services/drug-and-alcohol-service/
South East Staffordshire and Seisdon Peninsulahttps://www.staffstreatmentandrecovery.co.uk/
South Eastern Hampshirehttps://www.inclusionhants.org/online-referral/
South Kent Coasthttps://www.kent.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/health/alcohol/alcohol-and-drug-support
South Lincolnshirehttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/?query=south+lincolnshire
South Norfolkhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/alcohol-drug-behaviour-change-norfolk
South Seftonhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/sefton/info
South Teeshttps://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/alcohol-drugs
South Tynesidehttp://stadultrecoveryservice.co.uk/
South Warwickshirehttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/change-grow-live-warwickshire
South West Lincolnshirehttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/lincolnshire-grantham/
South Worcestershirehttps://cranstoun.org/help-and-advice/alcohol-other-drugs/worcestershire/
Southamptonhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-service-southampton/info
Southend Alcoholhttps://www.phoenix-futures.org.uk/phoenix-futures-for/people-and-families-who-use-our-services/find-a-service/essex-alcohol-recovery-community/
Southend Drugshttps://setdab.org/service/southend-treatment-and-recovery-service-stars/
Southern Derbyshirehttps://www.phoenix-futures.org.uk/derbyshire-recovery-partnership
Southport and Formbyhttps://southportformbypcn.nhs.uk/health-information/healthy-lifestyles/help-with-drugs-alcohol/
Southwarkhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/cgl-southwark
St Helenshttps://www.changegrowlive.org/integrated-recovery-service-st-helens
Stafford and Surroundshttps://www.staffstreatmentandrecovery.co.uk/
Stockporthttps://www.healthystockport.co.uk/getting-support
Stoke on Trenthttps://www.scdas.org.uk/
Sunderlandhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/sunderland/contact-us
Surrey Downshttps://www.surreydrugandalcohol.com/
Surrey Heath

https://www.surreydrugandalcohol.com/

Suttonhttp://www.cranstoun.org/service/inspire-sutton/
Swalehttps://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/our-services/community-drug-and-alcohol-services/canterbury-and-swale-service/
Swindonhttp://wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/swindon-and-wiltshire/

Tameside and Glossop

https://www.changegrowlive.org/my-recovery-tameside
Telford and Wrekinhttps://www.telfordstars.org/
Thanethttps://www.forwardtrust.org.uk/service/thanet-hub/
Thurrock

www.changegrowlive.org
Tower Hamlets

https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/Documents/Public-Health/RESET-Service-Leaflet.pdf
Trafford

https://www.gmmh.nhs.uk/achieve
Vale of York

https://www.changing-lives.org.uk/
Vale Royalhttps://www.turning-point.co.uk

Wakefield

https://www.talktofrank.com/treatment-centre/turning-point-wakefield-hub
Walsallhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/beacon-recovery-service
Waltham Forestwww.changegrowlive.org
Wandsworthhttps://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/wandsworth-battersea/
Warringtonhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/pathways-to-recovery-warrington/info
Warwickshire Northhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/content/change-grow-live-warwickshire

West Cheshirewww.turning-point.co.uk
West Essexhttps://www.openroad.org.uk/help-support/self-referral/
West Hampshirehttps://www.inclusionhants.org/online-referral/
West Kenthttps://www.changegrowlive.org/drug-alcohol-wellbeing-service-west-kent/referrals
West Lancashirehttps://inspirelancs.org.uk/north-and-central/
West Leicestershirehttp://www.wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/Leicestershire

West London (K&C & Qpp)Kensington and Chelsea http://wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/centrallondon/hubs/kensington-and-chelsea/
City of Westminster http://wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/centrallondon/hubs/city-of-westminster/
Hammersmith and Fulham http://wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/centrallondon/hubs/hammersmith-fulham/
West Norfolkhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/alcohol-drug-behaviour-change-norfolk
West Suffolkhttp://wellbeing.turning-point.co.uk/suffolk/
Wigan Boroughwww.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/?query=wigan
Wiltshirewww.turning-point.co.uk
Wirralhttps://www.changegrowlive.org/wirral-ways
Wolverhamptonwww.recoverynearyou.org.uk
Wyre Foresthttps://cranstoun.org/help-and-advice/alcohol-other-drugs/worcestershire/

Motiv8 is a charity which provides services for people seeking help for drug and alcohol problems on the Isle of Man.

Jersey (alcohol)

Jersey (alcohol and drugs)

Ayrshire and Arran

Borders

Dumfries & Galloway

Fife does currently offer self-referral for drug and alcohol problems. They have a website page which explains what services are available and how you can access them. Your first port of call would usually be your GP.

Forth Valley

Grampian

Greater Glasgow and Clyde

Highland

Lanarkshire South

Lanarkshire North

Lothian

Midlothian

Orkney

Shetland

Tayside

West Lothian

Western Isles

NIDirect gives details of different services available across Northern Ireland, including how you can access them.

Belfast Trust services

Northern Trust services

South Eastern Trust services

Southern Trust services

Western Trust services

There are also services available if you're being affected by someone else's alcohol or drug taking.

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Article Information
  • Last updated by Dr Toni Hazell
  • Peer reviewed by Dr Doug McKechnie
  • Document ID 30920 (v2)
  • Last updated on 17 November 2023
  • Next review date 15 November 2028

The information on this page is written and peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

Disclaimer: This article is for information only and should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of medical conditions. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited has used all reasonable care in compiling the information but make no warranty as to its accuracy. Consult a doctor or other health care professional for diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions. For details see our conditions.

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