Alcohol, drugs and substance misuse
Drug and alcohol misuse can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or circumstances. It can lead to serious health issues, impact relationships, and affect overall well-being. Recognizing the signs and seeking help is crucial for recovery and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
⚠️ It's important to get medical help if you think you need it.
- For help from a GP – use your GP surgery's website, use an online service or app, or call the surgery.
- For urgent medical help – use the NHS 111 online service, or call 111 if you're unable to get help online.
- For life-threatening emergencies – call 999 for an ambulance.
If you're advised to go to hospital, it's important to go.
Alcohol
Understanding Alcohol Misuse
Alcohol misuse is when you drink in a way that's harmful, or when you're dependent on alcohol. To keep health risks from alcohol to a low level, both men and women are advised not to regularly drink more than 14 units a week.
For more information go to the NHS website
Assess Your Drinking Habits
Take the quiz to check how much you are drinking and see if you may need to cut down.
Local Support Services in Kent
Through One You Kent local services, there are resources out there to support you reduce the amount of alcohol you drink.
Check out the apps and online information or fill in a referral form to speak to a One You Kent advisor. Go to:
Drugs
Understanding Drug Misuse
Drug misuse involves using substances in a way that is harmful to your health or well-being. This can include illegal drugs, prescription medications, or over-the-counter drugs. Misuse can lead to addiction, health problems, and impact your daily life and relationships.
Drug addiction: getting help - NHS
Disposing of needles
If you administer medicines yourself you are responsible for getting rid of needles, syringes and other medical waste.
Local support
In Kent there are a number of organisations that provide drug and alcohol treatment, including:
- advice and information
- drop in services
- structured treatment services
- counselling
- medical treatments for drug or alcohol withdrawal
- harm reduction techniques and information.
Most adults starting treatment will refer themselves. This can be done through your GP, health professional or by contacting a local treatment centre. When you speak to the support services you will have someone who will get to know you and your situation so you have the right kind of treatment and help.
East Kent Services (Ashford, Canterbury, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe, Swale and Thanet)
The Forward Trust:
- Visit the Forward Trust website.
- Call: 0300 123 1186
- Alternatively, you can use their free, confidential online chat service Reach Out. The online chat service is available Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm (excluding bank holidays).
West Kent Services (Dartford, Gravesham and Swanley, Maidstone, Sevenoaks, Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge and Malling)
Change, Grow, Live: