Accessing Support for Addiction (and Smoking)
This guide includes in-depth steps for addressing addiction (alcohol, drugs, nicotine), practical strategies for accessing support, and guidance on finding confidential help. It also highlights ways to manage anxiety about seeking support and who can assist you in the process, such as support workers or trusted individuals.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help you with accessing support for addiction (and smoking).
Understand Addiction and Why Support Matters
What Is Addiction?
Addiction is a condition where you may feel dependent on substances (alcohol, drugs, nicotine) or behaviours to cope. Recognising the impact on your health and daily life is the first step toward recovery.
Why Seek Support?
Health Improvement: Overcoming addiction reduces health risks.
Emotional Wellbeing: Accessing help can provide tools to manage triggers and emotions.
Community and Support: Services offer a safe, non-judgmental environment to share experiences.
Managing Concerns About Confidentiality
Understand Confidentiality Policies:
Most services are confidential and will not share your information without your consent.
Example: NHS and charity-run services have strict data protection policies.
Ask About Confidentiality Before Sharing Information:
Example: “Can you explain how my information will be used and who will have access to it?”
Use Anonymous Services:
Many helplines and online tools allow you to remain anonymous while accessing support.
Example: Frank (www.talktofrank.com) provides confidential advice.
Involve a Trusted Advocate:
If you feel anxious, ask a support worker, friend, or family member to contact services on your behalf.
Reflect on Your Goals and Needs
Define Your Substance of Concern:
Example: “I drink alcohol every day, and it’s affecting my relationships.”
Identify Your Goals:
Example: “I want to quit smoking completely within three months.”
Recognise Your Triggers:
Examples: Stress, loneliness, social situations, or specific environments.
Write Down Your Motivations for Change:
Example: “I want to improve my health and save money.”
Seek Professional Help
Visit Your GP:
Example: “I’d like support with reducing my alcohol intake. Can you refer me to a specialist service?”
Your GP can provide referrals to local services and may prescribe medications to manage withdrawal symptoms.
Contact Local Addiction Services Directly:
Many services accept self-referrals, so you don’t need a GP to access support.
Ask for an Initial Assessment:
Services will assess your needs and help you create a tailored recovery plan.
Examples of Services to Contact:
NHS Drug and Alcohol Support Services: www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support
Change Grow Live (CGL): www.changegrowlive.org | Phone: 0300 303 5353
Overcoming Anxiety About Reaching Out:
Use Online Services First:
Example: Chat anonymously with advisors on websites like We Are With You (www.wearewithyou.org.uk).
Bring a Trusted Person to Your Appointment:
A support worker, friend, or family member can provide emotional support and help communicate your needs.
Prepare What to Say:
Write down your concerns and goals to share during your appointment.
Access Support for Alcohol Addiction
Contact Alcohol Support Services:
Example: Alcohol Change UK provides resources and links to local support (www.alcoholchange.org.uk).
Join Peer Support Groups:
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA): Group meetings provide a safe space to share experiences and follow a 12-step program.
Explore Online Tools:
Example: Use the Drinkaware Unit Tracker to monitor your alcohol intake (www.drinkaware.co.uk).
Discuss Medication Options:
Your GP may prescribe medications like naltrexone to reduce alcohol cravings.
Access Support for Drug Addiction
Reach Out to Drug Support Services:
Example: Frank provides free, confidential advice and resources.
Website: www.talktofrank.com | Helpline: 0300 123 6600
Participate in Peer Support Groups:
Narcotics Anonymous (NA): Offers meetings and a 12-step program.
Website: www.ukna.org | Helpline: 0300 999 1212
Learn About Harm Reduction:
Services like Change Grow Live provide information on safer substance use while working toward recovery.
Consider Medication-Assisted Treatment:
Example: Methadone or buprenorphine for opioid addiction.
Get Help to Quit Smoking
Contact NHS Smokefree:
Free advice, support, and resources.
Website: www.nhs.uk/smokefree | Helpline: 0300 123 1044
Use Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):
Examples: Patches, gum, losenges, inhalators, or nasal sprays.
Explore Prescription Medications:
Your GP may prescribe Champix or Zyban to help manage nicotine cravings.
Join Local Stop Smoking Services:
Many councils offer free group support. Use the NHS Smokefree website to find local services.
Download Quit-Smoking Apps:
Example: Smoke Free app tracks your progress and offers motivational tips.
Manage Anxiety About Confidentiality
Choose Anonymous Services:
Example: Use helplines or live chats that don’t require personal details, such as Frank or We Are With You.
Ask About Data Use Policies:
Example: “Will my employer or family be informed if I use this service?”
Seek Help from Trusted Advocates:
Example: A support worker or mental health advocate can contact services for you or accompany you to appointments.
Access Safe Spaces:
Example: Many services provide private consultation rooms or online sessions.
Build a Recovery Plan
Set Achievable Goals:
Example: “Reduce smoking to five cigarettes per day within two weeks.”
Track Your Progress:
Use a journal or app to log daily achievements.
Identify Support Networks:
Include friends, family, or professionals who can encourage you.
Celebrate Milestones:
Example: Treat yourself to a movie or hobby when reaching a key goal.
Use Tools and Resources
Comprehensive Resources for Support:
NHS Addiction Services: www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support
We Are With You: Offers free, confidential advice (www.wearewithyou.org.uk).
Mind (Mental Health Support): www.mind.org.uk
Apps for Support:
Drinkaware: Tracks alcohol consumption.
Smoke Free: Provides quit-smoking tips and support.
Practice Self-Compassion
Acknowledge Your Efforts: Seeking help is a significant step.
Accept Setbacks: Recovery is a process, and setbacks are part of learning.
Ask for Help: Lean on support networks when you feel overwhelmed.
Final Thoughts
This expanded guide offers detailed steps, resources, and strategies to help you access addiction support while addressing concerns about confidentiality. Use the links and tools to connect with services that match your needs, and remember you don’t have to face this journey alone.