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Things you can ask us about

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building a happy baby UNICEF BFI leaflet for parents

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off to the best start guide to breastfeeding leaflet

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Useful websites and numbers

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CGL offer a drug and alcohol recovery service.

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Holiday opening times

We are closing at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and we will be closed on Christmas Day and Monday 3rd January.

If you're struggling over the festive season, there is help available for you. We have a list of helplines that will be open on Christmas day and New Year's day, plus advice on drugs and alcohol, wellbeing and more on our holiday support page.

Take a look at our full opening times below:

​​24th December - 9am - 3pm (you can still call us on 0800 652 3169 until 5pm)

25th December - Closed

27th December - Closed

28th December - Closed

29th December - 9am - 5pm

30th December - 9am - 5pm

31st December - 9am - 3pm (you can still call us on 0800 652 3169 until 5pm)

1st January - Closed

3rd January - Closed

4th January - Normal opening hours

Coronavirus info

The way we support you is still a bit different, but we are still here and we are working to return to normal service.

You can contact us from 09:00 - 17:00 on Monday and Saturday, and 09:00 - 19:00 from Tuesday to Friday by phoning us on 0800 652 3169 or emailing [email protected] . Our recovery workers are offering support over the phone. If you're worried about something, get in touch.
Updates to the service:

Our opening hours have changed. Our hubs are open from 09:00 - 17:00 on weekdays.

If you have questions about your prescriptions take a look at our prescription information page.

For now, we are doing all non-medical appointments over the phone.

Our groups are running online via Zoom. Check your local service to see what's on.

If you have children staying at home and you're unsure what to do when they're hurt or unwell, take a look at this advice.

Help at home
Breaking Free Online is a free, online treatment and recovery program. It's for anyone addicted to alcohol or drugs. You can sign up to the treatment programme using the access code herts11.

Find the latest information on coronavirus on our information pages or the NHS website.

You can find local mutual aid support groups on this website.

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Spectrum Drug & Alcohol Recovery Services | Change Grow Live

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We are closing at 3pm on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, and we will be closed on Christmas Day and Monday 3rd January. If you're struggling over the festive season, there is help available for you.

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Service from Herts County Council offering support for Hertfordshire residents struggling with alcohol and other drugs.

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Scan the QR code to find your local service.

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A guide for anyone who would like to quit vaping.

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Report on substance misuse among young people 2022

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Report on substance misuse among young people 2022

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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 support near you.

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 page, Finding Support, 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 drugs, such as methadone or buprenorphine.

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 UKNA (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 and AIDS.

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 Rehab-Online.

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If you have a problem with drugs, there's a wide range of services that can help.

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Estimates of alcohol dependent adults in England (March 2024)

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Estimates of alcohol dependent adults in England (March 2024)

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Office for Health Improvement and Disparities

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Estimates of alcohol dependent adults in England: summary

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These estimates of alcohol dependence in England were produced by the University of Sheffield. They contain updated estimates of the number of adults that were dependent on alcohol in 2019 to 2020 in each local authority and region in England.

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Including alcohol and neurodiversity, alcohol and menopause, alcohol intolerance, alcohol and fertility, alcohol and relationships, alcohol and domestic abuse, supporting a loved one and tips for healthier drinking and happier relationships.

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Our fact sheets set out the latest evidence to help you find out more about alcohol.

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Hertfordshire charity supporting adults with addiction.

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In 2021, we are aiming to raise £20,000 in our general appeal. This represents the cost of successfully treating eight clients at our main counselling group.

Felicity used alcohol from an early age to escape from trauma and loneliness. 16 years later, she's genuinely happy for the first in her life. Read on to find out how she turned her life around.

It can be hard to ask for help if you don't think the helper fully understands you, which is why we're asking how we can reach people who are underrepresented in addiction services.

Referrals for family and carers

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In 2021, we are aiming to raise £20,000 in our general appeal. This represents the cost of successfully treating eight clients at our main counselling group. Felicity used alcohol from an early age to escape from trauma and loneliness. 16 years later, she's genuinely happy for the first in her life.

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Pathways Poster for Professionals  v7 July 2024

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Beacon Domestic Abuse Support Hub Professionals Flyer

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Primary Care Mental Health update (Hertfordshire Talking Therapies) - November

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Supporting Links ASD  ADHD Workshops Spring2025

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Supporting Links BITESIZE programme 2025

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Supporting Links Course Brochure Spring 25

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Mental Health Support A5 leaflet digital

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The Future Living Wise Guys programme is dedicated to supporting men who have experienced domestic abuse and violence.

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Hertfordshire Parenting and Relationship Support Offer Newsletter- Spring 2025

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Hertfordshire Parenting and Relationship Support Offer Newsletter- Spring 2025

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Primary Care Mental Health Update (Hertfordshire Talking Therapies)

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DSPL4 ParentsCarers January Newsletter (1)