Who can help?
The following organisations and agencies listed on these pages may be able to offer you help. This covers a wide range of help from those offering basic information and leaflets, to advice, through to group support and one to one counselling.
I had to choose between helping him and protecting my daughter and myself
These organisations we refer you to are not part of Adfam, therefore we are unable to comment on the different types and quality of help they offer. However, Adfam believes it is important that you have all the information you need to make choices about the help that is available and strongly encourages you to ask these organisations for what you need.
To help you choose the support you may need we suggest you consider the following:
Types of support·
Telephone helplines. These typically offer information and can refer to other appropriate organisations. For example the national drug helpline FRANK. Other helplines go further and offer an opportunity to talk and explore your situation thereby coming to consider what to do next and how to support yourself better, for example Drug Concern.
There are helplines covering many issues, from drugs, alcohol, parenting, mental health, prison issues, etc.
The person you speak to may be either a professional or a volunteer (who is often someone with personal experience of the issues).
Support Groups. These are regular meetings of people in a similar situation who are facing similar difficulties. There is typically a group leader who may be a professional, such as a drugs worker at a local drug agency, or a volunteer usually with personal experience, such as a Families Anonymous group. There are many support groups and organisations that have been set up to support families affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use. Adfam has a database of support for families throughout the UK that can be searched by clicking on the following link http://www.adfam.org.uk/html/search1.cfm.
Getting information and support in person. This can be accessed in various ways, such as a local drug or alcohol agency, Prison Visitors' Centre, etc.
Counselling. This is confidential help from a professional who can help with personal difficulties, problems in relationships and ways of coping better. A counsellor can be accessed through your GP (which is free) or privately (so costs money) through the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy.
Community support. This can range from a local Church or Mosque to a neighbourhood community group. They typically offer general support rather than particular help with drug and alcohol issues.· Adfam support services. We offer a comprehensive range of individual and group support at Prison Visitors' Centres in London for those with a drug or alcohol user in prison.
Family and friends. 'A problem shared is a problem halved'. Do you feel able to talk to the people in your life about your situation? They don't have to necessarily fix it for you, having someone who just listens can be very supportive.
Sharing ideas is a powerful thing. It can give us a new insight into the situation we're living in. It can change the way we think about things. It reminds us that we're not alone. For this reason, it's a really practical way of helping families tackle the problems that drug and alcohol use can present. Adfam has a web page where families can share ideas/problems/concerns and support each other. By reminding us that we are not alone, we take the first steps to removing the stigma often felt by families. Follow the link http://www.adfam.org.uk/html/gethelp04.CFM to go to Adfam's share ideas page.
If sharing your difficulties is uncomfortable, then being with family or friends doing things that are a diversion from your situation can be supportive too, such as going to see a film or walking the dog together.
Self support. How do you help yourself and is that enough at the moment? Are you aware of all that can help you, do you know how to get this help, and then will you let yourself have that help?
Things to consider when choosing help
- Do you want to speak to someone in person or are you more comfortable speaking over the phone?
- Do you want professional help or the support of others who have similar experiences to your own?
- Do you want help from one person or would you like to be in a group of people with similar experiences to your own?
- Do you feel comfortable sharing your situation and details with those you have approached for help? It is only reasonable that you wish things to be private, so it is usual to ask about the Confidentiality policy of people offering help.
- Do you have to pay? Most services are free.
- Do you need more information about what is offered? Some individuals and organisations have a particular way of working or underlying beliefs? For example Families Anonymous follow a 'twelve-step' philosophy, other organisations may be Christian based, etc. Ask yourself whether you are comfortable with what is offered. ALL reputable services will be only too happy to answer your questions so try not to feel that you shouldn't ask. Remember, the best sort of support is the sort that works for you.
If you want more information or suggestion for supporting a child who is using drugs, here are some helpful websites. They are grouped in the following categories.
- Drug misuse
- Alcohol and solvent misuse
- Children and young people
- Parent and family support
- Support for partners
- Criminal Justice support
- Other useful organisations
This symbol means that there is a helpline you can call.
Frank 0800 77 66 00 (free: 24 hours) 0800 917 8765 (textphone service)
Information, advice and materials (see above).
Drugscope
In-depth information on all aspects of drug use, with frequently asked questions about drugs in the 'Drug Information' section.
Release
Provides a range of services dedicated to meeting the health,welfare and legal needs of drug users and those who live and work with them. Has recently launched a support and information service for heroin users and people who care for them.
Office telephone: 020 7729 5255
Turning Point
Works with individuals and their communities in the areas of drug and alcohol misuse, mental health and learning disabilities. Has particular expertise in working with people who have complex needs and are facing multiple social challenges. Its site provides details of the local projects and services it provides.
Cascade
Drug information service for young people, parents, users, carers and professionals. Much of the website has been put together by young people. It includes drug facts, discussion boards and a problem page for parents.
The National Treatment Agency
The National Treatment Agency (NTA) is a special health authority, created by the Government in 2001 to improve the availability, capacity and effectiveness of treatment for drug misuse in England. In other words, to ensure that there is more treatment, better treatment and fairer treatment available to all those who need it.
The Blenheim Project
The Blenheim Project - drug service that produces a range of leaflets including "How to stop" - for opiate users and "How to Help" - for families of drug users.
Tel: 020 8960 5599
Cocaine Anonymous
Cocaine Anonymous runs meetings and a helpline for cocaine users.
Tel: 020 7248 1123
Alcohol and solvent misuse
Al-Anon Family Groups UK and Eire
Understanding, support and information (including publications) and local groups for families and friends of people with alcohol problems, including young people affected by their parents drinking.
London branch: 020 7403 0888 (or ring 020 7407 8180 or 7878 out of hours)
Glasgow branch: 0141 339 8884 (24 hours)
Alateen
Partof the Al-Anon fellowship for young people, aged 12 to 20, who are affected by a problem drinker. Members share ideas, experience and support, often in local groups. Alateen also produces support materials.
London branch: 020 7403 0888 (or ring 020 7407 8180 or 7878 out of hours)
Glasgow branch: 0141 339 8884 (24 hours)
Alcohol Concern
Alcohol Concern is the national agency for alcohol misuse. Website contains factsheets, publications, an online library database, news about what is happening in the alcohol field and links to useful websites.
Re-solv 0808 800 2345 (free; Mon-Fri 9am to 5pm except bank holidays)
The biggest charity to deal solely with solvent abuse. Has a national free helpline, factsheets, research and information specifically tailored for parents.
Wrecked
This NHS site is aimed at teenagers and provides basic information and facts about alcohol use, including true stories and a quiz.
Children and young people
Childline 0800 1111 (free; 24 hours)
Free, 24-hour helpline service for children or young people in trouble or danger. Website also carries lots of information.
Connexions 080 800 13219 (free; 8am to 2am)
Information, advice and support for 13 to 19 year olds in England. Provides information on any relevant issue - including drugs, health and money. On the website, young people can web chat directly with a Personal Adviser, and there is also a freephone helpline. Local office details available on both helpline and website.
National Association for Children of Alcoholics 0800 358 3456 (free; Mon to Fri, 9am to 7pm)
NACOA provides information, advice and support to children of alcoholics through its free, confidential helpline.
Radio 1 One Life
Information on a range of subjects - from education to travel and health issues. It has a detailed drugs and alcohol section, with Q&A sections and real life stories. It is aimed at young people in Radio One target age range.
The Site
A 'guide to the real world' for young people aged 16-25 with accessible info and advice on drugs, health, sex and relationships, plus in-depth features on clubbing, festivals, holidays and student life. Well-used discussion boards.
Parent and family support
Drug Concern 0845 120 3745 (Mon-Thurs 9am to 5pm; Fri 9am to 4.30pm; answerphone service out of hours)
Previously known as Parents For Prevention, this organisation provides a helpline, support groups and training for parents and carers concerned about their child's drug use.
Families Anonymous (FA)
A worldwide fellowship of relatives and friends of people involved in the abuse of mind-altering substances, or with related behavioural problems. Many local groups across the UK.
Office tel: 0845 1200 660 (weekdays 1pm - 4pm. Contact people are available between 6pm - 10pm evenings and weekends: the numbers for each day are left on the answerphone)
Lifeline
This organisation provides leaflets on Drug Myths and Drug Facts for parents, plus parents' leaflets on the South Asian Community and Drugs (in Urdu/English and Bengali/English).
Office tel: 0161 839 2075
Mind 0845 766 0163 (local call rate; information line; 24 hours)
Works to support those experiencing mental distress. The website provides a range of information through factsheets and booklets, as well as details of local Mind associations.
Parentline Plus 0808 800 2222 (free; 24 hours)
Support to anyone parenting a child - the child's parents, stepparents, grand parents and foster parents. Runs a freephone helpline, courses for parents, develops projects and provides a range of information.
Parents Against Drug Abuse (PADA) 08457 023 867
An organisation set up to support parents of drug users. A large percentage of helpline workers have experienced drug use within their own families.
Trust for the Study Of Adolescence
Research, training, publications and projects aimed at improving the lives of young people and families.
Office tel: 01273 693311
E Parents
Online resource for parents offers advice on various topics, including dealing with children with behavioural problems, parenting teenagers, and how to parent when you are in a crisis. Created by the National Family and Parenting Institute.
Familyrapp
A website designed to answer many different parenting questions in a single site. Includes a drugs section and discussion boards.
Raising Kids
Support, information, and friendship to everyone who's raising children. Provides advice and professional opinions and hosts online discussions.www.spig.clara.netThe Shared Parenting Information Group provides information on how both parents can retain a strong positive role in their children's lives after divorce or separation.
The Family Fact File
A resource for parents that provides information on drugs. Includes helplines, an A-Z of drugs, legal facts, and advice on drugs in schools. Also has an online roleplay section.
UK Parents
A magazine site for parents. Includes discussion boards and problem pages with drugs information.
Gingerbread0800 018 4318 (Office hours)
Gingerbread offers a phone advice service for lone parents. Also provides day-to-day support for lone parents and their children through local self-help groups.
Homestart UK
Homestart UK provides information and practical support to families with children under 5 and details of local services.
Tel: 0116 233 9955
Support for partners
2as1
Primarily represents the Black Community in Britain, providing an information service for anyone needing marriage and relationship support. The 2as1 website contains articles and access to a range of local support networks.
Office tel: 0700 2222 700
Refuge 08705 995 443 (local call rate; 24 hours)
Provides a range of service for women and children experiencing domestic violence, including a 24 hour helpline.
Relate 0845 130 40 10 (local call rate; Mon to Fri, 9.30am to 4.30pm)
Helps people to work through their relationship difficulties and reach their own decisions about the best way forward.
Samaritans 08457 90 90 90 (local call rate; 24 hours)
Samaritans is available 24 hours a day to provide confidential emotional support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. As well as the national helpline, it provides an email service (see website for details).
Women's Aid 08457 023 468 (local call rate; 24 hours)
Works to end domestic violence against women and children. It co-ordinates and support projects across the country, and provides a website and helpline for those affected by domestic violence.
Criminal Justice Support
Action for Prisoners' Families
Action for Prisoners' Families promotes the just treatment of prisoners' families by the prison system and society across the UK.
It encourages the development of, and acts as a voice for, organisations providing support to these families.
HM Prison Service
HM Prison Service website gives information about the Prison Service in England and Wales.
Prison Reform Trust
Prison Reform Trust is aimed at creating a just, humane and effective penal system.
Prisoners' Families and Friends Service
Prisoners' Families and Friends Service is an independent voluntary agency that has been helping prisoners' families for over 30 years.
S H A R P
S H A R P is a totally voluntary organization run to provide free help and support for the relatives and friends of prisoners or anyone facing the prospect of legal action.
SOVA
SOVA's mission is to increase the effective involvement of local communities in crime reduction, rehabilitation of offenders and community safety.
Other useful organisations
British Acupuncture Council
Provides information on acupuncture service
Tel: 020 8735 0400 (Open office hours)
British Association for Counselling
Provides information on general counselling services (or ask your GP).
Tel: 0870 443 5252 (24 Hours)
Institute for Complimentary Medicine
Tel: 020 7237 5165 (Open office hours)www.nat.org.uk
National Aids Helpline
Offers help to anyone concerned about HIV/AIDS.
Tel: 0800 567 123 (Open 24 hours)
National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux
Offices nationwide providing free, impartial and confidential advice and help.
Tel: 020 7833 2181 (open office hours)
National Association of Volunteer Bureaux
Can provide info on volunteering and details of local offices.
Tel: 0121 633 4555 (open office hours)
National Debtline
Runs a helpline offering information and advice on debt.
Tel: 0808 808 4000 (open 9am-9pm, monday - friday)
National Family Mediation
Can provide information on local mediation services for families around family break up, divorce and separation.
Tel: 020 7485 8809 (Open office hours)
Rethink
Runs a helpline for people with schizophrenia and their families.
Tel: 020 8974 6814 (Open 10am - 3pm, Monday - Friday)
Rights of Women
Can provide free legal advice by telephone for women about their rights.
Tel: 020 7251 6577 (Opening times vary but open Tues-Thurs)
Saneline
A helpline for people coping with mental illness and provides information about local support services.
Tel: 0845 767 8000 (Open midday-2am daily)
Shelter
Runs a helpline offering practical advice on housing issues.
Tel: 0808 800 4444 (Open 24hours)
Terrence Higgins Trust
Runs a helpline and other services for people affected by HIV/AIDS or anyone concerned about HIV/AIDS.
Tel: 0845 1221 200 (10am-10pm, Monday-Friday; 12pm-6pm weekends)