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Getting started with NHS help
If you think you may be struggling with drugs or alcohol, the NHS can help. You do not need to wait until things get severe before asking for support.
A good first step is to speak to your GP. They can talk through your situation, give advice, and refer you to local addiction or substance misuse services.
You can also contact your local NHS drug and alcohol service directly in many areas. These services are usually free and confidential.
What support the NHS may offer
NHS support depends on your needs. It may include advice, counselling, group support, detox support, or treatment for withdrawal symptoms.
If you use alcohol, the NHS may offer a safe withdrawal plan and help to reduce the risk of complications. If you use drugs, you may be offered medication, harm reduction support, or structured recovery programmes.
Some people also get help with mental health problems at the same time. This is important because anxiety, depression, and trauma can be linked to substance misuse.
How to access local services
You can search online for your local drug and alcohol service through your NHS area or council website. Many services accept self-referrals, which means you can contact them yourself without seeing a GP first.
When you get in touch, you will usually have an assessment. This is a chance to explain what you are using, how often, and what help you want.
The service will then suggest the most suitable support. This could be one-to-one sessions, a recovery plan, or referral to another NHS service if needed.
Emergency help and urgent support
If someone is unconscious, having a seizure, struggling to breathe, or has taken an overdose, call 999 immediately. Do not wait for an appointment.
If you are worried about severe withdrawal, such as fits, confusion, hallucinations, or shaking that is getting worse, seek urgent medical help. Alcohol withdrawal can be dangerous and may need hospital treatment.
You can also call NHS 111 if you need advice quickly and are not sure what to do next.
What to expect and what to remember
NHS addiction services are confidential and there is no shame in asking for help. Staff are used to supporting people with all kinds of substance use problems.
You may need to try more than one service or treatment option before finding what works best. Recovery can take time, but support is available.
If you are worried about a friend or family member, you can still contact the NHS for advice. Getting help early can make a big difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
NHS help addiction substance misuse refers to assessment, advice, treatment, and recovery support provided by NHS services for people affected by alcohol, drugs, or other substances.
NHS help addiction substance misuse is available to anyone in England who needs support for substance misuse, although the exact services may vary by local area and eligibility criteria.
You can usually access NHS help addiction substance misuse by contacting your GP, a local drug and alcohol service, a mental health service, or self-referring where that is available.
NHS help addiction substance misuse may include assessment, counselling, detox support, prescribing, relapse prevention, harm reduction advice, and referral to specialist services.
Yes, NHS help addiction substance misuse includes support for alcohol dependency, such as brief interventions, specialist alcohol services, withdrawal management, and ongoing recovery support.
Yes, NHS help addiction substance misuse includes support for drug dependency, including opiates, stimulants, cannabis, benzodiazepines, and other problematic substance use.
NHS help addiction substance misuse is generally free at the point of use for people who are eligible for NHS care in England.
You do not always need a GP referral for NHS help addiction substance misuse because many local services allow self-referral, but some services may ask for a referral.
At the first appointment for NHS help addiction substance misuse, a clinician or key worker usually asks about your substance use, health, mental wellbeing, risks, and what support you want.
Yes, NHS help addiction substance misuse often includes assessment and support for mental health problems that occur alongside substance use, such as anxiety, depression, or trauma.
Yes, NHS help addiction substance misuse can include detoxification support when it is clinically appropriate, sometimes at home with supervision or in a specialist setting.
Yes, NHS help addiction substance misuse may include medicines to reduce withdrawal, support detox, or manage cravings, depending on the substance and your needs.
Yes, NHS help addiction substance misuse can help after a relapse by reviewing triggers, updating your treatment plan, and reconnecting you with recovery support.
If you are worried about someone else and NHS help addiction substance misuse, you can contact a GP, local drug and alcohol service, or emergency services if there is immediate danger.
NHS help addiction substance misuse is usually confidential, but information may be shared if there is a serious risk to you or someone else or if safeguarding rules require it.
Yes, NHS help addiction substance misuse can be accessed during pregnancy, and urgent support is recommended because early treatment can protect both parent and baby.
Yes, NHS help addiction substance misuse can support young people, often through specialist youth drug and alcohol services or local NHS mental health services.
If you need urgent NHS help addiction substance misuse and are at immediate risk, call 999, go to A and E, or contact NHS 111 for urgent advice.
The length of NHS help addiction substance misuse varies depending on your needs, the substance involved, and your recovery goals, and may range from short-term advice to longer-term support.
You can find local NHS help addiction substance misuse services by asking your GP, checking your local NHS website, contacting NHS 111, or searching for local drug and alcohol services.
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