I need help with...

I’m worried about my drinking or drug use

A reliance or addiction to alcohol or drugs can seriously damage your mental health, but there is support available. 
 

Alcohol and drugs are powerful substances that can have a negative impact on your mental health. Learn more 

If you regularly drink or take drugs you can become dependent on them. Drinking or taking drugs can also affect your mental health, resulting in mood changes, loss of motivation, anxiety, depression and in some cases hallucinations or episodes of psychosis. Learn more

Some people use alcohol or drugs to help them deal with mental health problems, this is called self-medication. While it may offer temporary relief, regularly using alcohol or drugs could be creating another problem.

What to do

The NHS provides lots of information on the effects and the impact of alcohol and drugs on you. Learn more There are also resources that can help you make a change.

If you would like support for your drinking or alcohol, you can speak to your GP. They can advise on what support is available locally.

If you would prefer to make your own arrangements, you can search for local mental services for alcohol addiction and drug use by using the interactive finder provided by the NHS.

If you are having a problem with your drinking, Drinkaware provides information on services that can help. 

Useful links:

• MIND
• Rethink
• Drinking and drugs
• Find drug addiction support services
• Drinkaware

If you are in crisis call 111 and select the mental health option or visit our 'I need help now' page or contact Samaritans on 116 123 or jo@samaritans.org.