The following websites provide more information on drugs, alcohol, treatment services and national policy:
- NHS Choices: drugs – Find out more about the effect drugs can have on your health, and hear from people who have taken drugs about their experiences.
- NHS Choices: Drinking and alcohol – Calculate your units, read about the health risks of drinking too much alcohol and find out where to get help and support.
- Change4Life: don’t let drink sneak up on you – Cutting down on alcohol doesn’t have to be hard. Use the simple drinks checker and get tips on ways to cut back.
- The Talk to Frank: drugs A to Z on the Talk to Frank website is an easy-to-use guide on illegal drugs, their effects and their risks.
- Find out more about how to approach drug use with your child on the NHS Choices: talking about drugs with your child page.
- Get help, support and advice from Adfam the leading national organisation working with and for families affected by drugs and alcohol.
- Rehab Online is a directory of residential rehabilitation services for adult drug and/or alcohol misuses in England and Wales. It will give you information about these services, whether you are a member of the public, a professional or a service user.
Free Substance misuse training
County Durham Drug and Alcohol service now offers free training to anyone working or volunteering in County Durham on a range of substance misuse issues.
Booking is essential and is via email CDDARS.training@humankindcharity.org.uk.
Please email us for more information.
Mutual aid organisations
Mutual aid improves drug and alcohol treatment and its recovery orientation, say NICE (2007 and 2011) and the report of the Recovery Orientated Drug Treatment Expert Group (2012). Treatment providers and key workers who actively help service users to access and engage with mutual aid are likely to see better outcomes.