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Alcohol can cause high blood pressure, which increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Alcohol also weakens heart muscles, which can affect the lungs, liver, brain and other body systems, and also cause heart failure. Alcohol can also be used as an unhealthy coping mechanism for stress which can severely damage your mental well being.

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Alcohol can cause high blood pressure, which increases your risk of having a heart attack or stroke. Alcohol also weakens heart muscles, which can affect the lungs, liver, brain and other body systems, and also cause heart failure. Alcohol can also be used as an unhealthy coping mechanism for stress which can severely damage your mental well being.

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Our bodies and minds are not separate, so it's not surprising that mental ill health can affect your body. Depression can come with headaches, fatigue and digestive problems, and anxiety can create an upset stomach, for example. Other symptoms can include insomnia, restlessness and difficulty concentrating

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Our bodies and minds are not separate, so it's not surprising that mental ill health can affect your body. Depression can come with headaches, fatigue and digestive problems, and anxiety can create an upset stomach, for example. Other symptoms can include insomnia, restlessness and difficulty concentrating

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Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. it can also significantly improve mental health

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Being physically active can improve your brain health, help manage weight, reduce the risk of disease, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. it can also significantly improve mental health

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keeping a balanced and diverse diet is the best way to keep your blood sugar levels steady and improves general well being as foods in high fat contents may make you feel worse. keeping a good diet also benefits good gut health, a healthy body and a healthy mind.

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keeping a balanced and diverse diet is the best way to keep your blood sugar levels steady and improves general well being as foods in high fat contents may make you feel worse. keeping a good diet also benefits good gut health, a healthy body and a healthy mind.

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There are many support groups to help someone stop smoking, a GP, pharmacist or health visitor can refer you, or you can phone your local stop smoking service to make an appointment with an adviser. When talking to someone about their smoking habits you should ensure to be non judgemental as nicotine is addictive and often used as an unhealthy coping mechanism for stress.

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There are many support groups to help someone stop smoking, a GP, pharmacist or health visitor can refer you, or you can phone your local stop smoking service to make an appointment with an adviser. When talking to someone about their smoking habits you should ensure to be non judgemental as nicotine is addictive and often used as an unhealthy coping mechanism for stress.

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Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help.
You may need help if:

you often feel the need to have a drink

you get into trouble because of your drinking

other people warn you about how much you're drinking

you think your drinking is causing you problems

A good place to start is with a GP. Try to be accurate and honest about how much you drink and any problems it may be causing you.

If you have become dependent on alcohol, you will have found it difficult to fully control your drinking in some way.

So you'll probably need some help either to cut down and control your drinking or stop completely, and also some plans to maintain the improvement after that.

The GP may suggest different types of assessment and support options available to you, such as from local community alcohol services.

You can also ask about any free local support groups and other alcohol counselling that may suit you.
Find alcohol addiction support services in your area
If you have become physically dependent and need to stop drinking completely, stopping overnight could be harmful.

You should get advice about this and about any medicine you may need to do this safely.

The sorts of mild or moderate withdrawal symptoms that suggest you may need medicine include:

anxiety after waking

sweating and mild tremors

nausea or retching in the morning

vomiting

Call 999 if you have severe symptoms of alcohol withdrawal, including:

hallucinations

severe tremors

seizures or fits

Staying healthy and in control

Cutting down or stopping drinking is usually just the beginning, and most people will need some degree of help or a long-term plan to stay in control or completely alcohol free.

Getting the right support can be crucial to maintaining control in the future. Only relying on family, friends or carers for this often is not enough.

Ask a GP or alcohol service about what longer-term support is available in your area.

Self-help or mutual aid groups (groups such as AA or SMART Recovery groups) are accessible in most areas.

Useful contacts for alcohol problems

Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. Its "12 step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.

Al-Anon Family Groups offer support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they're still drinking or not. Alateen is part of Al-Anon and can be attended by 12 to 17-year-olds who are affected by another person's drinking, usually a parent.

We Are With You is a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.

Adfam is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol. Adfam operates an online message board and local support groups.

The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) provides a free, confidential telephone and email helpline for children of alcohol-dependent parents and others concerned about their welfare. Call 0800 358 3456 for the Nacoa helpline.

SMART Recovery groups help people decide whether they have a problem, build up their motivation to change, and offer a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery.

Caring for an alcoholic? Find out where you can get support on the Carers Trust website.

Alcohol detoxification

Most people receive support to stop drinking and recovery support in the community.

If you need medicine to help you stop drinking, it can often be taken at home or when attending a local service daily.

But some people will need a short stay in a medically supported unit so they can receive safe treatment of their withdrawal symptoms or other problems.

This may be in an NHS inpatient unit or a medically supported residential service, depending on your situation and the assessed medical need.

Intensive rehabilitation

Some people are assessed as needing intensive rehabilitation and recovery support for a period after they stop drinking completely, either through attending a programme of intensive support in their local community or by attending a residential rehabilitation service.

This type of intensive treatment is usually reserved for people with medium or high levels of alcohol dependence, and those who have received other forms of help previously that have not been successful.

Local authorities are responsible for alcohol treatment services. Intensive residential rehabilitation may require an additional assessment process to determine if there is funding for this.

It's also possible to pay for residential rehabilitation privately. Medical insurance companies may fund this for a certain period.

Find out more about treatments for alcohol misuse.

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Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first step to getting better, but it's often the hardest one.

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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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Find out about the major food groups and how to balance them for a healthy diet.

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General health and fitness guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64, including tips on how to achieve 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week.

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Find information and support for your mental health.

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Most people feel low sometimes, but if it's affecting your life, there are things you can try that may help.
Support is also available if you're finding it hard to cope with low mood, sadness or depression.

Symptoms of a low mood

Symptoms of a general low mood may include feeling:

sad

anxious or panicky

more tired than usual or being unable to sleep

angry or frustrated

low on confidence or self-esteem

A low mood often gets better after a few days or weeks.

It's usually possible to improve a low mood by making small changes in your life. For example, resolving something that's bothering you or getting more sleep.

Symptoms of depression

If you have a low mood that lasts 2 weeks or more, it could be a sign of depression.

Other symptoms of depression may include:

Things you can try to help with a low mood

Don't

do not try to do everything at once; set small targets that you can easily achieve

do not focus on the things you cannot change - focus your time and energy into helping yourself feel better

try not to tell yourself that you're alone - most people feel low sometimes and support is available

try not to use alcohol, cigarettes, gambling or drugs to relieve a low mood. These can all contribute to poor mental health

Audio: Self-help for low mood and depression

In this audio guide, a doctor explains what you can do to help yourself cope with low mood and depression.

Further information and support

Where to get NHS help for a low mood

Referring yourself for therapy

If you need more support, you can get free talking therapies like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) on the NHS.

You can refer yourself directly to an NHS talking therapies service without a referral from a GP.

you've had a low mood for more than 2 weeks

you're struggling to cope with a low mood

things you're trying yourself are not helping

you would prefer to get a referral from a GP

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or call 111 if:

you need help urgently, but it's not an emergency

111 can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone. Go to NHS 111 online or call 111.

Call 999 or go to A&E now if:

you or someone you know needs immediate help

you have seriously harmed yourself - for example, by taking a drug overdose

A mental health emergency should be taken as seriously as a medical emergency.
Find your nearest A&E

Causes of a low mood

There are many reasons why you might feel low at some point in your life.

Any sort of difficult event or experience could lead to sadness or low self-esteem. Sometimes it's possible to feel low without there being an obvious reason.

Identifying the cause

If you know what's causing your low mood it might be easier to find ways to manage it.

Some examples of things that may cause a low mood include:

work - feeling pressure at work, unemployment or retirement

family - relationship difficulties, divorce or caring for someone

financial problems - unexpected bills or borrowing money

health - illness, injury or losing someone (bereavement)

Even significant life events such as buying a house, having a baby or planning a wedding could lead to feelings of sadness.

You might find it hard to explain to people why you feel this way, but talking to someone could help you find a solution.
Find out more about the 5 steps to mental wellbeing

Conditions related to low mood and depression

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Get help with low mood, sadness or depression

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Read practical tips and advice on what to do if you're struggling with a low mood, sadness or depression.

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What to expect at a local Stop Smoking Service

Developed by experts and ex-smokers - and delivered by professionals - local Stop Smoking Services provide free expert advice, support and encouragement to help you stop smoking for good.

The trained advisers are on hand to offer you support, either one to one or in a group, along with stop smoking medicines (prescription charges may be payable).

The sessions usually start a couple of weeks before you quit, and can be done via phone or video call if you cannot attend in person.
Sessions are usually held once a week for 4 weeks after your last cigarette.

Evidence shows that people who manage to quit for 28 days are more likely to quit for good.

How Stop Smoking Services can help you quit

Advisers are trained to deliver advice, support and encouragement that can improve your chances of quitting.

They can tell you about nicotine replacement products and other stop smoking medicines, and can also recommend which product or combination of products could work for you.

They can support you if you want to use your own e-cigarette, also called a vape, to help you quit too.

Need a little extra motivation? Your adviser can measure the level of carbon monoxide in your body (the CO level) using a carbon monoxide monitor. The monitor shows how your CO level drops to the same level as a non-smoker's just 48 hours after your last cigarette.

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Find Your Local Stop Smoking Service (LSSS) - Better Health

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Enter your postcode to find free Stop Smoking Services near you. With their professional support, you're 3 times more likely to quit for good.