Drinking alcohol is common in our society and may be pleasurable or relaxing for a person. However, it's also possible to develop an unhealthy relationship with alcohol or drugs which may affect a person's physical and mental wellbeing.
For some people, drinking or using drugs can affect family life and relationships as well as their health.
If you think you or someone you know needs support, please look at the following resources.
- NHS.uk – The NHS website has this useful page with advice, support and signposting for anyone who thinks they might have an alcohol problem or is affected by someone else's drinking, such as their family.
- Alcoholics Anonymous – their website offers a 'meeting finder' for face-to-face or online meetings, as well as group chat rooms and self-help resources. You can also call them on their free phone helpline, use their live chat function or email them.
- Al-Anon Family Groups – they provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking.
- Frank – you might have seen the 'Talk to Frank' adverts on TV or in magazines. 'Frank' has a freephone helpline and search function to help you find local support services to help with drug addiction.
- UK SMART Recovery – a charity which promotes choice in recovery from addictions using meetings and online training programmes.
- Adfam – a charity which tackles the effects of someone's drug or alcohol addiction on their family or friends and increases understanding of the effects on mental health and wellbeing.
- We Are With You – a charity providing free confidential support for problems with alcohol, drugs, and mental health, with self-help resources and options for finding local support.
