Drugs

There are lots of reasons why addictions begin and if you have an addiction, you’re not alone, as research suggests that 1 in 3 people are addicted to something.  In the case of drugs, the substances used will affect the way you feel, both physically and mentally, and as these feelings can be enjoyable, it creates a powerful urge to use the substances again.

This is often when drug use gets out of control, because you need to take more to satisfy the craving and recreate that feeling and achieve the ‘high’.  This can quickly develop into a habit, which becomes very hard to stop, especially as not using the substances causes withdrawal symptoms (a ‘come down’), which can be unpleasant, therefore it’s often easier to carry on using drugs, which means the cycle continues.

If you have a drug addiction, it can seriously damage your health, relationships, work and personal life and can have significant psychological and physical effects.  If you need support or treatment for a drug addiction, you’re entitled to NHS care, in the same way you would be for any other health problem. 

There’s lots of fantastic local and national support available, when you’re ready to take the first step to being drug free.  There’s also information, advice and support available for family and friends, who are affected by a loved one’s drug use.

Local support 

Herefordshire Recovery Service, run by Turning Point and Healthwatch Herefordshire, provide a free and confidential support service for adults and young people in the county.  You can self-refer into the service by completing the online referral form, calling 0300 555 0747 or e-mailing Herefordshire@turning-point.co.uk.  They also offer a range of online self-help tools.

Kooth is an online mental wellbeing community for 11 to 18 year olds.  It provides free, safe and anonymous support around a range of concerns, such as drug, drink or money problems, relationship or family issues, school or college worries or if you’re feeling low or depressed.

The CLD Trust offer a variety of counselling services, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, for children and young people aged 9 to 21 (normally free of charge) and adults in Herefordshire to help address a range of issues, such as substance misuse, depression, anxiety, anger and family and relationship problems.  

National support

Action on Addiction provide information, advice and treatment for individuals and families affected by drug use.

Adfam offer information and support for family and friends, who are affected by a loved one’s drug use.

Beating Addictions offer information and advice, based on the most up to date research, to help individuals, their family and friends better understand how they can overcome an addiction.

Childline offer information for children and young people on the pressures and risks of taking drugs, how to tell if you have a drug problem and how to help a friend.

Cocaine Anonymous offer information and advice about cocaine addiction, through local meetings or a telephone helpline on 0800 612 0225. 

DrugWise provide up to date information on over 150 drugs, their effects, prevalence of use, drug laws and education.

Families Anonymous offer information and advice for families and friends, affected by a loved one’s drug addiction, through meetings an online forum and helpline on 0207 4984 680.

FRANK provide the latest information about different drugs, their effects and the law, to help you or someone you know.  You can also talk to FRANK in confidence, by calling 0300 123 6600, texting 82111 or via an online form.

Marijuana Anonymous provide information and advice about marijuana addiction, through meetings and a telephone helpline on 0300 124 0373.  They also have an official mobile recovery app, which is free to download.

Narcotics Anonymous offer information and advice about drug addiction, through local meetings or a telephone helpline on 0300 999 1212. 

The NHS offer information on getting help for drug addiction, including advice on what drug treatment involves. 

Re-Solv provide information, advice and support for those affected by solvent abuse, including a telephone and text helpline and a live online chat service.

Samaritans is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year if you’re having a difficult time or struggling and need help.  Call free on 116 123 or e-mail jo@samaritans.org.

The Mix offer advice and support for young people under 25 around drug use, legal highs and their side effects.  They offer a telephone helpline on 0808 808 4994, a 1-2-1 live chat service along with counselling.

We Are With You provide confidential information, advice and support for people with drug and / or alcohol issues, family and friends.  They also offer an online chat service, seven days a week.