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Support for addictions

If you or someone you know has an addiction, we can help you find help.

Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you.

Common addictions include alcohol, drugs, smoking and gambling. But screentime or gaming or shopping or even work, can become an addiction. Addiction affects the brain and behaviour, making it hard to break a harmful cycle.

Addiction can affect anyone at any age and can be caused by all sorts of reasons including difficult life events, high stress levels and exposure to trauma.

If you or someone you care for is showing signs of addiction, getting help from specialist organisations can be the first step in moving forwards.

Person on their phone

General support

Help 4 Addiction

Helpline: 020 3955 7700

An independent addiction service throughout the UK.

NHS support

Find services in your area to support with alcohol, drug or smoking addictions.

Samaritans

Telephone: 116 123 (24 hour)
Email: jo@samaritans.org

Confidential emotional support 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Alcohol and drugs

Turning Point

Drugs and alcohol support.

Frank

Find alcohol and drug support near you.

Dan 24/7

Helpline: 0808 808 2234

Wales Drug and Alcohol Helpline.

Re-solv

Helpline: 01785 817885

Support for solvent addictions.

Supporting someone

Information from Mind about helping someone else.

Al-alon

Helpline: 0800 0086 811

Support for people affected by someone else’s drinking.

NACOA

Helpline: 0800 358 3456

Advice and support for people affected by a parent’s drinking.

Other addictions

Gaming

Information from Young Minds about gaming addictions.

Porn

Information from Relate about addictions to porn.

Smoking

NHS advice and support to help stop smoking.

How we can help and support you

Gambling Harm

Information and resources for you or someone you care about to help with gambling.

Relationships

Addictions can put pressure on your relationships. We can offer support.

Digital wellbeing

Phone or social media taking over your life? We have tips to build a better screen time balance.

Tom’s story
The impact of the charity’s help has not only been potentially lifesaving for my daughter, it’s provided peace of mind for the whole family.
Tom

What to do in a crisis

Charity for Civil Servants is not a crisis support charity. If you are in an emergency situation, here are some organisations that can help.

Related pages

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Expert health and wellbeing support delivered through your phone or computer.

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When a relationship breaks down, the stress can take over your life. Whatever’s going on, we’re on hand to support you through it.

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Debt and budgeting

Help with all aspects of debt, budgeting and managing your money.

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