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Date updated: 2/06/2023

Free non-judgemental support

City or Hackney residents who are struggling with addiction and would like to cut down on alcohol, drugs and other substances, can access free and non-judgemental support, with a focus on wellbeing and recovery, via the City and Hackney Recovery Service.

This support service is delivered by charity Turning Point in partnership with organisations Mind and Antidote. As well as the hub in Mare Street (E8 3SG), adult residents across all neighbourhoods in the City and Hackney, and carers affected by substance misuse, can access integrated support and interventions.

Referrals can be made using the following pathways:

Once a referral is made, an initial consultation where a brief assessment and ascertainment of treatment goals will take place. The individual referred will then be allocated a Recovery worker who will provide support throughout treatment.

Turning Point, the lead provider for the service, is a national charity providing specialist services which focus on improving lives and communities. Turning Point have been helping people make a change in their lives for over 50 years, constantly finding ways to support more people to discover new possibilities in their lives. They work closely with the people we support, their families, carers and circle of support.

In addition, needle exchange, Naloxone and supervised consumption services are available at the following pharmacies in the City:

  • Boots, 80 Cannon Street, EC4N 6HL (020 7623 4676)
  • Boots, 138-140 Fenchurch Street, EC3M 6BL (020 7626 0670)
  • Boots, 120 Fleet Street, EC4A 2BE (020 7583 9446)

Further support

Services

Your GP is a good place to start if you would like help with your alcohol use. They will be able to assess your level of drinking and advise you about services that are available and most appropriate for you within your residential area.

Online information

  • Don't Bottle It Up If you are concerned about your drinking habits, take the test to assess how risky your drinking is.
  • NHS Choices Alcohol Support, Learn about alcohol units, how to track your consumption and tips for cutting down.
  • Change4Life See the NHS video for more tips and advice on how to cut down your alcohol intake.

Mutual aid groups and etools

Mutual aid groups are available for individuals to attend and support each other to reduce or abstain from drinking alcohol. Etools are interactive web based tools to assist you with assessing your alcohol use and how to reduce or abstain from using alcohol.

  • Alcoholics Anonymous is formed by members with a desire to stop drinking, sharing their experiences, strength and hope.
  • UK SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is for those who have chosen to abstain or are considering abstinence from any kind of addictive behaviour.
  • Moderation Management is a behavioural change programme and support group network for people concerned about their drinking and who desire to make positive lifestyle changes.
  • Drinkaware provides information, exercises and tools to help reduce or abstain from drinking alcohol.
  • Liver 4 Life offers support and education, as well as undertaking campaigns on behalf of people with a liver condition, to improve their care, their treatment and their support services.

Services

Your GP is a good place to start. They will be able to advise you about the services that are available and most appropriate for you.

To find out more about organisations that can offer confidential advice and support, here are a few suggestions:

Online information

  • FRANK offers friendly and confidential advice and support on how to get help
  • NHS Choices provides information about the effects of drugs, where to get help, support for families and videos about people's experiences.
  • Adfam is an organisation that strives to improve the quality of life for families affected by drug and alcohol misuse. This website provides information and shares the experiences of families.
  • Terrence Higgins Trust provides information where gay and bisexual men can explore issues around their drug use and other addictions.
  • Steroid and image enhancing drugs (SIEDs) aims to provide reliable and evidence based information and advice to reduce the harms associated with the use of SIEDs.

Mutual aid groups and etools

Find out more about each organisation and how to find a meeting in your area:

  • UK Narcotics Anonymous is a fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs has become a major problem.
  • UK SMART Recovery (Self-Management and Recovery Training) is for individuals who have chosen to abstain or are considering abstinence from any kind of addictive behaviour.
  • Moderation Management (MM) is a behavioural change programme and support group network for people concerned about any kind of addictive behaviour and who desire to make positive lifestyle changes.
  • Drugsmeter gives anonymous, objective feedback on your use of Cocaine and Mephedrone that allows you to compare your drug use against thousands of people across the globe.