# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners who may combine it with other information that you've provided to them or that they've collected from your use of their services.

# data[].attributes.body
If you have financial problems due to gambling or if it is creating family stress you can access advice and help from Gamblers Anonymous. It runs self-help groups across the UK.  They work on a 12 step process to recover and change the habit.  Requires a self-referral.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) notice

With the easing of restrictions, Groups across the country are beginning to resume their physical meetings in line with the government's guidelines. Many online meetings are still taking place. A list of online meetings can be found here. If you have any questions, please use the relevant phone number on the contact us page contact.

Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same.

This site offers various aids for the compulsive gambler including a forum, a chat room, literature and most importantly a meeting finder.

Meetings are the core of Gamblers Anonymous and we have meetings every day of the week throughout England, Wales and Ulster.
Links to other Gamblers Anonymous sites: -
Gamblers Anonymous Scotland: - https://gascotland.org/

Gamblers Anonymous Ireland: - https://www.gamblersanonymous.ie/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This site offers various help for the compulsive gambler including a Forum, Chat Room, Literature and of course most importantly a meeting finder

# data[].attributes.body
They run a national gambling helpline which is freephone - 0808 8020133

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Home - GamCare - The leading provider of support for anyone affected by problem gambling in Great Britain

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Support for anyone affected by gambling problems across Great Britain. Call the National Gambling Helpline and find free treatment today.

# data[].attributes.body
Offers support for friends and families affected by problem gambling.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Gam-Anon UK & Ireland

Compulsive gambling is recognised as an emotional illness. As wives, husbands, partners, siblings, children or friends of compulsive gamblers we know that living with this illness can prove a devastating experience. Family relationships can become unbearably strained and the home filled with bitterness, frustration and resentment. There seems to be no way to solve our insurmountable difficulties; so much so that we are unable to think rationally at times.

If you are affected by someone else's gambling then Gam-Anon can help! Our meetings are for anyone who has been affected by a loved one's gambling problem. We have been where you are now. By sharing in our rooms you will find that you are not alone!

GamAnon and GA meetings are usually held on the same nights but in separate rooms. What is said in each room is kept confidential so that members in both rooms don't need to worry about sharing their problems or concerns

Unity

In the current situation the publication and sending out of the latest Unity is not possible. It has therefore been made accessible online. Simply click this link to read it.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Compulsive gambling is recognised as an emotional illness. As wives, husbands, partners, siblings, children or friends of compulsive gamblers we know that living with this illness can prove a devastating experience. Family relationships can become unbearably strained and the home filled with bitterness, frustration and resentment.

# data[].attributes.body
If you are looking for help, advice or support in relation to your gambling, please go to BeGambleAware.org or contact the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133. GambleAware is an independent grant-making charity using best-practice in commissioning, including needs assessment, service planning, evaluation and outcome reporting to support effective, evidence-informed, quality assured prevention of gambling harms.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
BeGambleAware®: Gambling Help & Gambling Addiction | BeGambleAware

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
"No one ever talks about losses. So, it's really hard to even know if someone's got a problem or not, because if you haven't won for a while - you just won't say anything...Hearing other people's stories that are similar to mine kind of makes you think 'Wait a minute'...

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Alcohol misuse is where a person consumes excessive amounts of alcoholic drinks.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Alcohol

An important message here from Amy, the daughter of a recovering alcoholic who would like to share her story about her dad and his battle with alcoholism and the effect it had on her family. Amy highlights how opening up and talking about problems and getting help from others and the support of family and loved ones can be so important when struggling with personal issues and problems.

Amy would like to share her story because if it wasn't for the help from loved ones or the doctors her dad probably wouldn't be here. It is so important for every single one of us to talk about our problems.

(Please note names of family members have been changed as requested)

Hi, my name is Amy and I am the daughter of an alcoholic. My dad last year gave up drinking and decided to get help for his illness. I would like to share my story so I can help others in my position.

This is my story:

It's been one of the hardest things ever having to post this because it's a part of my life I wanted to keep to myself and I don't think I have ever actually dealt with what happened. On 24th February 2019 in the early hours I received a phone call from my younger sister Cathy telling me our dad had fallen down the stairs at my aunties house and had been rushed into hospital because he stopped breathing. I felt like my world had just been torn apart. For those who don't know I am the biggest daddy's girl ever and my worst fear is something happening to my dad, so as you can imagine my worst fear is coming true. My brother Stephen, sister Cathy and Helen came to pick me up and we went down to QMC.

What we were all about to witness changed all our lives forever. One by one we went into the resuscitation room where my dad was. I remember my auntie telling me that it was bad and that he had broke his nose, his eye was swollen, his back was cut and he was passed out. I walked in and burst into tears. It didn't look like my dad and it just broke my heart seeing him like that. We stayed for as long as we could but about 7am we came home as he was being moved onto a different ward. This was just the start of a very long journey we were about to go on.

2 years ago my mum and dad broke the news to us that they were going to separate. My mum moved out and my dad started drinking. My parents have always drunk together so it was just the normal, nothing seemed out of place. Until it started happening every day, my dad would have bottles of wine or beer and vodka or rum at the weekend and he just never knew when to stop. It started to get quite bad, I was very distant with my dad and decided to kind of move out to my ex boyfriends house because I couldn't deal with seeing my dad like that. He became distant with us and certain things we did would play on his mind and we'd always be falling out over silly things. For us it was hard. He was depressed. It started to get bad around Christmas 2018, he wouldn't come home Christmas Eve and ended up walking in the house Christmas Day morning around 8am absolutely smashed and he just carried on drinking all day till the evening when he started to become argumentative again. January 2019-February 2019 he was at his worst, he wouldn't admit that he was depressed and he wouldn't admit that he had a drinking problem, even after his fall he carried on drinking.

The week after his fall he had an argument on the Saturday night with my sister Cathy and seriously upset her. He hid the rum that he was drinking and lied to her saying he wasn't drunk. We said we were ashamed of him, we didn't speak to him and he knew deep down something was wrong. On the Monday he went to his first AA meeting and has continued to be sober and we are about to celebrate his first year sober.

I've never truly opened up to anyone about this as it has taken me a very long time to get a relationship back with my dad but I am so proud of him, more than anyone could imagine. He has been through the worst 2 years of his life and has made his life better in the best way possible. He got the help he needed and he survived the darkest days all because of support from his family and friends and most importantly he got the help he needed. It's been a struggle and it couldn't have been easy admitting he had a drinking problem or that he was depressed but it saved him.

I'm sharing my story because if it wasn't for the help from loved ones or the doctors my dad probably wouldn't be here. It is so important for every single one of us to talk about our problems.

Amy daughter of Keith a recovering alcoholic

Agencies providing advice, support and information

Adfam: 020 3817 9410
www.adfam.org.uk
Supporting families affected by drugs and alcohol. Provides publications for families (free for family members and friends) and details of local family support groups. Adfam works with family members affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use. Adfam does not run a support Helpline.

Alcohol Change UK: www.alcoholchange.org.uk - website includes online directory of local services.

Alcohol Focus Scotland (Area served Scotland): www.alcohol-focus-scotland.org.uk - Telephone information, advice and other services for people concerned about their own or someone else's drinking. Details of where to get counselling and support

Since its inception in 1977, Aquarius has used evidence based research to shape services that enable them to work with people and challenge the behaviours which lead to the use of drugs, alcohol and gambling. In 2015, Aquarius joined Recovery Focus, a national Group of charities inspiring recovery nationwide.

cgl - Change Grow Live
www.changegrowlive.org
Offer a range of services including Alcohol service which supports adults and young people to understand the risks their alcohol use pose to their health and wellbeing, and support them to reduce or stop their use safely.

Phoenix Futures:
Central Office 020 7234 9740
Scotland 0141 332 0121
www.phoenix-futures.org.uk
Charity and housing association which has been helping people overcome drug and alcohol problems for more than 40 years. Residential, prison, community and specialist services run across England and Scotland.

Richmond Fellowship: 020 7697 3300, www.richmondfellowship.org.uk - Provides residential care counselling and support, as well as rehabilitation and work skills, to men/women who are recovering from emotional disturbance, addiction and mental health problems. Run a national network of over 104 projects and work schemes

Salvation Army: 020 7367 4500, www.salvationarmy.org.uk - Runs homes for the treatment of alcoholics and drug addicts

Turning Point
www.turning-point.co.uk
To enable people with serious problems related to drug and alcohol misuse, mental health and learning disabilities to lead more independent lives by providing high quality community services. Running over 100 projects nationally, ranging from residential rehabilitation centres to drop in counselling services, needle exchanges, phone advice services and individual community workers

Young People: For Information about alcohol and drugs check out information at www.themix.org.uk

Useful websites

https://www.drinksmart.com/
Information and advice about sensible drinking

www.smartrecovery.org.uk
UK Smart Recovery runs a network of self help/mutual aid meetings where, through open and confidential discussion participants help each other and themselves with recovery from any kind of addictive behaviour. Also online community of meetings. The purpose is to help individuals seeking abstinence from addictive behaviours to gain independence, achieve recovery and lead meaningful and satisfying lives.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
An important message here from Amy, the daughter of a recovering alcoholic who would like to share her story about her dad and his battle with alcoholism and the effect it had on her family.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to recovery.org.uk - Providing you with the best and most up-to-date advice on recovery sources across the United Kingdom.

If you, or someone you know, is suffering from alcohol or drug abuse dependency call us today to find out more on the treatments options available to you.

Addiction is treatable and we will help you find the treatment package best suited to your individual needs.

Many people are suffering from addiction without even realising it, and there is a solution. Here at Recovery.org.uk we have been helping people get treatment for many years, run by people in recovery themselves who have experienced the horrors of addiction, turned their lives around and found a new way to live.

If you or your loved one are struggling, don't be afraid to ask for help, there is no shame in reaching out and getting support to help improve your life, for many of us, it was the best step we ever took. Whatever your addiction, be it drugs or alcohol, or a process addiction like gambling, sex, money or food addiction then we can offer you support and point you in the right direction.

What we do

Alcohol Withdrawal

Find out how alcohol withdrawal affects the body and mind, what can be done, how to get help More

The cost of rehab?

How Much Does Rehab Cost - Rehab costs vary depending on addiction, type, location - find out why. More

How to stop drinking

How To Stop Drinking - Many people find it impossible to stop drinking. Find out where to start. More

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to recovery.org.uk - Providing you with the best and most up-to-date advice on recovery sources across the United Kingdom. If you, or someone you know, is suffering from alcohol or drug abuse dependency call us today to find out more on the treatments options available to you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Alcohol Change UK: Alcohol harms. Time for change. | Alcohol Change UK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We are Alcohol Change UK. We are an alcohol charity working to reduce the harm caused by alcohol. We are not anti-alcohol; we are for alcohol change.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you need treatment for drug addiction, you're entitled to NHS care in the same way as anyone else who has a health problem.
With the right help and support, it's possible for you to get drug free and stay that way.

Where to get help for drugs

A GP is a good place to start. They can discuss your problems with you and get you into treatment.

They may offer you treatment at the practice or refer you to your local drug service.

If you're not comfortable talking to a GP, you can approach your local drug treatment service yourself.

Visit the Frank website to find local drug treatment services.

If you're having trouble finding the right sort of help, call the Frank drugs helpline on 0300 123 6600. They can talk you through all your options.

Charity and private drugs treatment

As well as the NHS, there are charities and private drug and alcohol treatment organisations that can help you.

Visit the Adfam website to see a list of useful organisations.

Private drug treatment can be very expensive, but sometimes people get referrals through their local NHS.

Your first appointment

At your first appointment for drug treatment, staff will ask you about your drug use. They'll also ask about your work, family and housing situation.

You may be asked to provide a sample of urine or saliva.

Staff will talk you through all of your treatment options and agree a treatment plan with you.

They can tell you about local support groups for drug users and their families or carers.

You'll also be given a keyworker, who will support you throughout your treatment.

What drug treatment involves

Your treatment will depend on your personal circumstances and what you're addicted to. Your keyworker will work with you to plan the right treatment for you.

Your treatment plan may include a number of different treatments and strategies.

Talking therapies

Talking therapies, such as CBT, help you to see how your thoughts and feelings affect your behaviour.

Treatment with medicines

If you're dependent on heroin or another opioid, you may be offered a substitute drug, such as methadone.

This means you can get on with your treatment without having to worry about withdrawing or buying street drugs.

Detoxification (detox)

This is for people who want to stop taking opioids like heroin completely. It helps you to cope with the withdrawal symptoms.

Self-help

Some people find support groups like Narcotics Anonymous helpful. Your keyworker can tell you where your nearest group is.

Reducing harm

Staff at your local drug service will help reduce the risks associated with your drug-taking. For example, you may be offered testing and treatment for hepatitis or HIV.

Where you'll have your treatment

You may have your treatment while living at home or as a hospital inpatient.

If your drug-related problems are severe or complicated, you may be referred to a residential rehabilitation service.

For more information about residential rehabilitation, or to find a rehab near you, visit rehabonline.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you need treatment for drug addiction, you're entitled to NHS care in the same way as anyone else who has a health problem. With the right help and support, it's possible for you to get drug free and stay that way. A GP is a good place to start.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law. Talk to Frank for facts, support and advice on drugs and alcohol today. | FRANK

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Welcome to the Home Page of DrugWise. The mission of DrugWise follows very much in the tradition of DrugScope - and for those of you with long memories, its predecessor - the Institute for the Study of Drug Dependence - that is to provide drug information which is topical, evidence-based and non-judgemental - and to promote this through media work, public speaking and lecturing.

As well as updating our drug information and writing new reports, we provide a full range of DrugScope archival materials and all Druglink articles back to 1986.

DrugWise also has an international dimension which is not restricted to drugs, but includes alcohol and tobacco where the advent of e-cigarettes is causing as much controversy as that surrounding the conflicting views on drug policy and practice.

There are many robust international and internationally-relevant national reports and reviews in all these areas. The problem is that they are not all in one place. So we have created I-Know, the international knowledge hub which will build up a library of information, policy and practice material.

Meet the team

DrugWise Director, Harry Shapiro has worked in the drugs field for over 35 years, most recently as Director of Communications for DrugScope. He was DrugScope's main media spokesperson, managing editor of Druglink and has written extensively on all aspects of drugs and drug-related issues combining this with lecturing, public speaking and advisory work for government. He remains the managing editor of DS Daily.

DrugWise Deputy Director, Jackie Buckle is an award-winning web designer who also worked for ISDD and DrugScope for many years, first in the library and then developing the online presence of both charities. She is also the editor of DS Daily and responsible for its day to day running.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to the Home Page of DrugWise. The mission of DrugWise follows very much in the tradition of DrugScope - and for those of you with long memories, its predecessor - the Institute for the Study of Drug Dependence - that is to provide drug information which is topical, evidence-based and non-judgemental - and to promote this through media work, public speaking and lecturing.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Drugs

Young People - For information about drugs check out the information on https://www.themix.org.uk/drink-and-drugs

Agencies which provide support and information

Since its inception in 1977, Aquarius has used evidence based research to shape services that enable them to work with people and challenge the behaviours which lead to the use of drugs, alcohol and gambling. In 2015, Aquarius joined Recovery Focus, a national Group of charities inspiring recovery nationwide

Frank:
0300 123 6600
www.talktofrank.com
Helpline for anyone concerned about drug or solvent misuse. Advice and information for drug misusers, their families, friends, carers.(Formerly known as the National Drugs Helpline).

Release:
020 7324 2989
www.release.org.uk
Helpline and support for drug users, families, friends. Advice on drug related subjects including health, welfare and legal issues. Referrals to lawyers and local drug services.

Re-Solv Enquiries:
Helpline: 01785 810762
www.re-solv.org
Helpline providing information and support for people concerned about solvent or volatile substance abuse problems.

Useful websites

www.smartrecovery.org.uk
Smart Recovery UK runs a network of self help/mutual aid meetings where, through open and confidential discussion participants help each other and themselves with recovery from any kind of addictive behaviour. Also online community of meetings. The purpose is to help individuals seeking abstinence from addictive behaviours to gain independence, achieve recovery and lead meaningful and satisfying lives.