Substance Use and Unwanted Behaviours

Need support with your own, or someone else's, substance use or unwanted behaviours? There is a range of different sources of support and guidance to help you make an informed decision on how to address your relationship with substances or behaviours and seek help for the problems you might be facing.

Alcohol

Self-Assessment Tool - Alcohol Change UK Quiz: Visit the Alcohol Change UK website to check how healthy your drinking is with a quick quiz.
Alcoholics Anonymous: Alcoholics Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support alcohol addiction recovery and sobriety.
Use the AA search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or online.
You can also call their free helpline at +44 (0) 800 917 7650 or email the support team [email protected] to contact the organisation.
Change Grow Live: A service local to both the Bloomsbury (Camden) and East (Newham) Campuses is Change Grow Live, a charity offering drug and alcohol support. They support residents of the London boroughs of Camden, Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Islington, Westminster, Lambeth and Croydon, and offer:
~ Advice on keeping safe.
~ Emotional support and counselling.
~ Group work.
~ Online courses.
~ Medically assisted treatment.
~ Peer support.
~ Recovery support, including education, training and employment advice and; onward referrals to specialist services.

If you don't feel you are able to contact the service yourself, you can ask an adviser from Student Support and Wellbeing Services or your GP, a relative or friend to refer you.
Visit the Change Grow Live website.
FRANK: This website provides honest information about alcohol, practical advice and signposts to support.
You can also call FRANK 24 hours 7 days per week on 0300 123 6600 for confidential advice. You can also ask questions to FRANK via email, text and live chat, and if you prefer an in-person centre you can use their website to find the nearest support services to you.

Visit the FRANK website.
Drinkaware: Drinkaware is an independent charity working to reduce alcohol misuse and harm in the UK.
Drinkchat is a free online chat service for anyone seeking advice about their own, or someone else’s, drinking. Drinkline is a free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's. Call the number 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm) for support. If you are in Scotland, you can contact Drinkline Scotland on 0800 7314 314.
Adfam: A charity supporting families affected by drugs and alcohol.

Visit the Adfam website.
NACAO (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics): Information, advice and support for people affected by a parent's drinking.
Phone: +44 (0)800 358 3456.
Website: nacoa.org.uk.
Better Lives (Islington Drug and Alcohol Service): Better Lives is an integrated drug and alcohol service offering free and confidential support for people and families affected by drug and alcohol issues.
Delivered by North London NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with Waythrough, Better Lives runs from three locations in London. You can self-refer by attending a drop-in, by email or by telephone.

Visit the Better Lives webpage.
We Are With You: We Are With You is a charity providing free and confidential support to people in England and Scotland experiencing challenges with alcohol, drugs and mental health. The charity offers both in-person at 80 local services across England and Scotland, and remote appointments online.
The initial appointment is designed to explore your lifestyle and personal situation, before choosing the best treatment option for you. We Are With You provides mental health interventions to improve exercise, diet, nutrition and sleep, and work in partnership with talking therapy organisations.

Visit the We Are With You website.
UK SMART Recovery: UK SMART Recovery is a charity offering Self-Help Addiction Recovery Programmes for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, internet and more.
The four-point programme is designed to help participants:
~ Build and maintain motivation.
~ Cope with urges.
~ Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
~ Live a balanced life.
You can use the search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or an online meeting.

Visit the SMART Recovery website.
Build on Belief (Recovery): Build on Belief specialises in designing, implementing and running weekend services for people who are struggling with, or are in recovery from substance use; namely drugs and alcohol. Although some of their projects run across the week, they always work at the weekend.
You can access services if you are living in one of the following boroughs: Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Harrow, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich, plus parts of Buckinghamshire and Sussex.

Visit the Build on Belief website .
Drinkline: Drinkline is a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking or someone else’s.
Phone: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm)

Visit the Drinkline website.
FWD - Drug and Alcohol service for under-25s in Camden: FWD is a multi-disciplinary drug and alcohol service for young people aged up to 25 who are resident in Camden.
FWD provides one-to-one structured support and group work sessions to young people affected by substance misuse (including the impact of parental substance misuse) and for those who are at risk of using substances.

Visit the FWD website for further information.
Alcohol Change UK: Alcohol Change UK is a charity that focuses on reducing alcohol harm. They offer support, interactive tools, tips, and education to help you understand and manage your drinking.

Visit the Alcohol Change UK website.
Rehab4Addiction Advisory and Referral Service: Rehab4Addiction is a UK‑based advisory and referral service offering free, personalised guidance for individuals and families affected by alcohol dependence and addiction.
Rehab-Online: Visit the Rehab-Online website to find a rehab for you or someone else.

Drugs and Substances

Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Narcotics Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support drug addiction recovery and sobriety.
Use the NA search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or online.
You can also call their free helpline at 0300 999 1212 or email the support team [email protected] to contact the organisation.
Change Grow Live: A service local to both the Bloomsbury (Camden) and East (Newham) Campuses is Change Grow Live, a charity offering drug and alcohol support. They support residents of the London boroughs of Camden, Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Islington, Westminster, Lambeth and Croydon, and offer:
~ Advice on keeping safe.
~ Emotional support and counselling.
~ Group work.
~ Online courses.
~ Medically assisted treatment.
~ Peer support.
~ Recovery support, including education, training and employment advice and; onward referrals to specialist services.

If you don't feel you are able to contact the service yourself, you can ask an adviser from Student Support and Wellbeing Services or your GP, a relative or friend to refer you.
Visit the Change Grow Live website.
FRANK: Visit the FRANK website for advice and guidance if you're concerned about your own or someone else's drug and/or alcohol use.
You can also call FRANK 24 hours 7 days per week on 0300 123 6600 for confidential advice. You can also ask questions to FRANK via email, text and live chat, and if you prefer an in-person centre you can use their website to find the nearest support services to you.
Drugs and Me: Online guides, blogs and digital tools to inform and help people manage drug use, including checking the risk level of mixing drugs.

Visit the Drugs and Me website.
Wedinos: Resources for anonymous sample testing and substance information.

Visit the Wedinos website.
Release: Practical advice on drugs, what they are, harm reduction guidance, reagent testkits, counselling and further support.
You can call the Release Help & Advice line on 020 7324 2989 from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Monday to Friday. A message service is available 24 hours. Release will return your call within one business day.
You can also call Release by email on [email protected].

Visit the Release website.
Re-Solv: A charity dedicated to supporting adults, under 18s and families to overcome gas and solvent misuse.
You can call the Re-Solv support line on 01785 817885.

Visit the Re-Solv website.
UK SMART Recovery: UK SMART Recovery is a charity offering Self-Help Addiction Recovery Programmes for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, internet and more.
The four-point programme is designed to help participants:
~ Build and maintain motivation.
~ Cope with urges.
~ Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
~ Live a balanced life.
You can use the search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or an online meeting.

Visit the SMART Recovery website.
Build on Belief (Recovery): Build on Belief specialises in designing, implementing and running weekend services for people who are struggling with, or are in recovery from substance use; namely drugs and alcohol. Although some of their projects run across the week, they always work at the weekend.
You can access services if you are living in one of the following boroughs: Kensington and Chelsea, Westminster, Ealing, Hillingdon, Hounslow, Harrow, Newham, Tower Hamlets and Greenwich, plus parts of Buckinghamshire and Sussex.

Visit the Build on Belief website .
Drug Science: Learn everything you need to have an informed opinion on drugs, without any prior knowledge. Understand the pharmacology, history, and laws which affect drugs, as well as harm reduction strategies and healthcare approaches which can improve public safety.

Visit the Drug Science website.
UK and Ireland DrugWatch: UK and Ireland DrugWatch are an informal online information network established by a group of professionals working in the UK and Irish drugs sector. The aim of the group is to raise/establish standards for drug information, alerts and warnings.
Content includes DrugWatch Information sheets and the Drugs Wheel.

Visit the DrugWatch website.
FWD - Drug and Alcohol Service for under-25s in Camden: FWD is a multi-disciplinary drug and alcohol service for young people aged up to 25 who are resident in Camden.
FWD provides one-to-one structured support and group work sessions to young people affected by substance misuse (including the impact of parental substance misuse) and for those who are at risk of using substances.

Visit the FWD website for further information.
Rehab-Online: Visit the Rehab-Online website to find a rehab for you or someone else.

Eating Disorders

Beat Eating Disorders: Beat is the leading UK charity supporting people affected by eating disorders. The charity has a helpline available by phone, email or webchat open from 3pm – 8pm, Monday to Friday.
The Beat HelpFinder tool allows you to search for support services in your local area.

Visit the Beat Eating Disorders website.
Eating Disorders Anonymous: Eating Disorder Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support recovery from eating disorders.
Use the EDA search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or online.
You can email the General Service Board at [email protected] to contact the organisation.
Overeaters Anonymous Great Britain: Overeaters Anonymous Great Britain is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular meetings in local communities to support recovery from compulsive eating and overeating disorders.
Use the OAGB search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area.
You can send an enquiry to contact the organisation.
Anxiety, Self-Image and Mood (AIM) Clinic: The Anxiety, Self-Image and Mood (AIM) Clinic is a NHS mental health service which specialises in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) and related anxiety and mood difficulties. The AIM Clinic offers assessment and treatment for young people and young adults up to 24 years old.
The team are based within the UCL University Clinic and are part of Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust. You can make a referral through Camden Talking Therapies and email the team at [email protected].

Visit the AIM Clinic webpage.
FREED: FREED offers information, advice and support if you’re worried about eating, weight, shape or someone else. The best way forward is to get help and support early, and to know you are not alone.
FREED provides self-help material as well as guidance on how to get professional help.

Visit the FREED website.
Mind: Mind is a mental health charity in England and Wales offering advice and information on mental health disorders.
The charity has a dedicated webpage on support for eating disorders, explaining the range of treatment options available to you.

Visit the Mind webpage on treatment and support for eating disorders.

Gambling

Gambler's Anonymous: Gamblers Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support recovery from gambling addiction.
Use the GA search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or online.
You can also call their national information line at 0330 094 0322 or email the General Enquiries team at [email protected] to contact the organisation.
GambleAware: This independent charity provides free and confidential advice, tools and support who anyone who is worried about their own problem gambling or someone else's gambling behaviours. You can also use their anonymous gambling self-assessment tool.

Visit the GambleAware website.
GamCare: GamCare offers personalised resources and local support services for anyone experiencing problems related to gambling. You can call their National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Visit the GamCare website.
UK SMART Recovery: UK SMART Recovery is a charity offering Self-Help Addiction Recovery Programmes for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, internet and more.
The four-point programme is designed to help participants:
~ Build and maintain motivation.
~ Cope with urges.
~ Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
~ Live a balanced life.
You can use the search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or an online meeting.

Visit the SMART Recovery website.
The National Gambling Helpline: The National Gambling Helpline provides confidential information, advice and support, free of charge, for anyone affected by gambling harms in England, Scotland and Wales.
Call 0808 8020 133 for free 24/7 support and counselling.

Visit the National Gambling Helpline website.
National Gambling Clinic: The National Gambling Clinic are a free, confidential NHS service supporting people who are experiencing harm from gambling aged 13 to 18 years from anywhere in England, and 18 or over in London and the South East.
They act as a centre of excellence, paving the way in treatment innovation and research. The clinic has played an active role in training healthcare professionals, shaping policies, and increasing awareness of gambling harms in England and internationally.
Established in 2008, the clinic pioneered NHS gambling treatment in the UK.
Their experienced team assesses the needs of people for whom gambling has been a problem as well as those of their partners, family members and significant others.
Please note they support those suffering from gambling harm and cannot offer crisis interventions. They can work jointly with mental health teams, aiming to provide a comprehensive package of care in collaboration with other professionals.

Visit the National Gambling Clinic website.
Gambling Blocking Software - Gamban: Gamban provides a secure, effective and affordable tool in your battle to ward off temptation. It takes a multi-layered approach to blocking tens of thousands of gambling websites and apps worldwide.
This is a paid for product but you can have a 7 day free trial.

Visit the Gamban website.
Gambling Blocking Software - GamStop: GamStop offers free online self-exclusion to help you control your online gambling.
Once registered you will be prevented from using gambling websites and apps run by companies licensed in Great Britain, for a period of your choosing.

Visit the GamStop website.

Gaming

Gaming Addicts Anonymous: Gaming Addicts Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support recovery from eating disorders.
You can join a GAA online meeting or an in-person local support group using the search tool.
You can email the organisation at [email protected].
Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous: Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support recovery from internet addiction disorder, social media addiction, gaming addiction, pornography addiction and online shopping addiction.
You can join an ITAA online meeting or an in-person local support group using the search tool.
NHS National Centre for Gaming Disorders: The National Centre for Gaming Disorders is a multidisciplinary NHS clinic offering treatment for people in England who are struggling with their use of gaming or seeking to support a loved one.
The centre offers support to people aged 13 years. CBT therapy sessions are led by consultant psychiatrists, psychologists, and family therapists. The team facilitates individual treatment, group treatment, parent workshops, peer support groups and family therapy.
You can learn more about the service and how to make a referral on their website.

Visit the NHS National Centre for Gaming Disorders website.
Young Minds: The YoungMinds charity offers a webpage on gaming and mental health. The webpage provide comprehensive advice on healthy gaming and how to access support if you need help.

Visit the YoungMinds Gaming and Mental Health webpage.
Gaming Blocking Software - Cold Turkey: Cold Turkey blocks websites, games and applications to boost your productivity and reclaim your free time.

Visit the Cold Turkey website.
Gaming Blocking Software - Digital Wellbeing: Use your phone’s digital wellbeing controls to block certain apps, or put them on a timer.

Visit the Android website to find out more.
Visit the Apple website to find out more.

Internet and Social Media

Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous: Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support recovery from internet addiction disorder, social media addiction, gaming addiction, pornography addiction and online shopping addiction.
You can join an ITAA online meeting or an in-person local support group using the search tool.
Forest: The Forest app is designed to improve your focus and productivity.
Similar to a Pomodoro timer, the app adds the fun visual stimulation of planting a tree when you open the app. You can focus on a task and watch the sapling, earning virtual coins as the tree grows. Forest is partnered with a tree planting organisation, Trees for the Future, so that users can spend virtual coins to plant real trees on earth.

Visit the Forest website for more information and to download the app.
One Sec: The One Sec app is scientifically proven to reduce screen time and social media usage.
When you open a social media app, One Sec gives you the chance to pause and take a moment to think. You can then choose to either proceed onto the app, close the app, or explore suggestions of other activities you could do instead. You can also use One Sec to block websites.

Visit the One Sec website for more information and to download the app.
UK SMART Recovery: UK SMART Recovery is a charity offering Self-Help Addiction Recovery Programmes for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, internet and more.
The four-point programme is designed to help participants:
~ Build and maintain motivation.
~ Cope with urges.
~ Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
~ Live a balanced life.
You can use the search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or an online meeting.

Visit the SMART Recovery website.

Pornography

Sex Addicts Anonymous: Sex Addicts Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support recovery from harmful sexual behaviours.
Use the SAA meeting search tool to find a meeting online, by telephone or in-person in your local area.
You can contact the organisation by phone by calling 07585 091502 or 07748 168164. You can email the team at [email protected].
For women preferring to contact a woman, call 07766 075247 or email [email protected].
For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LBGTQ+) people preferring to contact an LGBTQ+ person, call 07825 147995 or email [email protected].
Sexaholics Anonymous: Support groups for individuals who struggle with compulsive sexual behaviours, including pornography use.

Visit the Sexaholics Anonymous website.
Relate: Relate is a charity providing relationship support in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Read the Relate webpage on porn addiction for guidance on the causes of porn addiction and the support options available to you.
The Mix: The Mix is a digital charity offering non-judgemental support to 13-25 year olds on issues relating to mental health, sex and relationships, drugs, careers and money. The Mix website offers a wide range of articles and advice pages on issues relating to pornography.
You can contact The Mix team to access their crisis messenger service or counselling services.

Visit The Mix website for further guidance and support resources.
NoFap: NoFap is a website dedicated to helping people overcome pornography addiction, excessive masturbation, and other compulsive sexual behaviours.
You can join a support group or a community forum.

Visit the NoFap website.
App Blocking Software - Digital Wellbeing: Use your phone’s digital wellbeing controls to block certain apps, or put them on a timer.

Visit the Android website to find out more.
Visit the Apple website to find out more.
Website Blocking Software - Cold Turkey: Cold Turkey blocks specific websites which may help you manage pornography addiction.

Visit the Cold Turkey website.

Shopping

Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous: Internet and Technology Addicts Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support recovery from internet addiction disorder, social media addiction, gaming addiction, pornography addiction and online shopping addiction.
Read this comprehensive ITAA article on recovering from online shopping addiction.
You can join an ITAA online meeting or an in-person local support group using the search tool.
UK SMART Recovery: UK SMART Recovery is a charity offering Self-Help Addiction Recovery Programmes for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, internet and more.
The four-point programme is designed to help participants:
~ Build and maintain motivation.
~ Cope with urges.
~ Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
~ Live a balanced life.
You can use the search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or an online meeting.

Visit the SMART Recovery website.

Smoking and Vaping

Nicotine Anonymous: Nicotine Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support smoking and vaping addiction recovery.

Use the NicA UK search tool to find an in-person or online meeting.
NHS Stop Smoking Services: The NHS Stop Smoking services include free and confidential access to treatments, one-to-one support and group sessions to help you quit smoking.
You can find information on national helplines and Stop Smoking Services in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland on the dedicated Stop Smoking webpage. This page also covers what to expect from treatment and how to access support.

Visit the NHS Stop Smoking webpage.
NHS Quit Smoking App: The NHS offer a free app to help you quit smoking and live a healthier life.
The app allows you to track your progress, access daily support, see how much money you are saving and get inspired by other app users.

Download the NHS Quit Smoking app.
Breathe Stop Smoking Service: Breathe Stop Smoking Service is a flexible service offering support and advice from a friendly team of specialist advisors for residents of Camden and Islington. They offer face-to-face appointments in venues across Camden and Islington.

Visit the Breathe website.
UK SMART Recovery: UK SMART Recovery is a charity offering Self-Help Addiction Recovery Programmes for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, internet and more.
The four-point programme is designed to help participants:
~ Build and maintain motivation.
~ Cope with urges.
~ Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
~ Live a balanced life.
You can use the search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or an online meeting.

Visit the SMART Recovery website.

Sexual Behaviour

Sex Addicts Anonymous: Sex Addicts Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support recovery from harmful sexual behaviours.
Use the SAA meeting search tool to find a meeting online, by telephone or in-person in your local area.
You can contact the organisation by phone by calling 07585 091502 or 07748 168164. You can email the team at [email protected].
For women preferring to contact a woman, call 07766 075247 or email [email protected].
For Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LBGTQ+) people preferring to contact an LGBTQ+ person, call 07825 147995 or email [email protected].
Sexaholics Anonymous: Support groups for individuals who struggle with compulsive sexual behaviours, including pornography use.

Visit the Sexaholics Anonymous website.
ATSAC (the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity): ATSAC (the Association for the Treatment of Sexual Addiction and Compulsivity) is a not-for-profit organisation offering information, advice and support for people experiencing sex addiction and compulsive sexual behaviours.
The organisation provides definitions of sex addiction and the range of therapies and support groups available to you. You also can complete the ATSAC self-assessment tool to better understand your behaviours.

To get in touch with ATSAC and explore your treatment options, you can fill out their contact form online.
Relate: Relate is a charity providing relationship support in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Read the Relate webpage on sex addiction for guidance on compulsive sexual behaviours and the support options available to you.
The Mix: The Mix is a digital charity offering non-judgemental support to 13-25 year olds on issues relating to mental health, sex and relationships, drugs, careers and money. The Mix website offers a wide range of articles and advice pages on issues relating to compulsive sexual behaviours.
You can contact The Mix team to access their crisis messenger service or counselling services.

Visit The Mix website for further guidance and support resources.
NoFap: NoFap is a website dedicated to helping people overcome pornography addiction, excessive masturbation, and other compulsive sexual behaviours.
You can join a support group or a community forum.

Visit the NoFap website.
App Blocking Software - Digital Wellbeing: Use your phone’s digital wellbeing controls to block certain apps, or put them on a timer.

Visit the Android website to find out more.
Visit the Apple website to find out more.
Website Blocking Software - Cold Turkey: Cold Turkey blocks specific websites which may help you manage sex addiction.
Visit the Cold Turkey website.

Last updated 2 days ago