Drugs, Alcohol and You

A drug is a chemical that you put in your body that change the way you think, feel and act, which includes alcohol. Drugs can be legal, illegal and controlled, but the term ‘drugs’ usually refers to illegal drugs and drugs people take for fun, not for medical reasons, also referred to as ‘recreational drugs’.

There are many reasons why you might take drugs, such as; dealing with family problems or other issues you are facing, fitting in with a group, to cope with difficulties you faced in the past or trying something new to find out what it’s like. If you choose to take illegal drugs, it’s important to remember that it can lead to a criminal conviction which could end up affecting things in your future, like getting a job. And if you’re under 18, it’s against the law to buy (or try to buy) alcohol, or to drink alcohol in licensed premises like restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs.

Drugs affect everyone differently, and it is hard to know exactly what you’re taking, for more information on drugs and alcohol and how they can affect your mental health, click here to visit the Young Minds website.

Frank

Frank provides honest information about drugs and alcohol. Their website provides a Drugs A-Z to help you understand drugs and alcohol, they also share advice, including; what to do in an emergency, dealing with peer pressure and what to do when you’re worried about someone. Frank also provides support via; Live chat, phone, text, and email.

Click here to visit their website now

We Are With You

Offers free, confidential support to people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health through their free online live chat support. Click here to visit the We Are With You website now.

Drugs and Alcohol resources

The Drugs and Alcohol resource hub features a selection of articles, apps, tools, services and more.

Useful Links

The Mix

The Mix is the UK’s leading support service for young people. They are here to help you take on any challenge you’re facing – from...

Narcotics Anonymous

Narcotics Anonymous provides support for anyone who needs support and advice about drug addiction. Narcotics Anonymous is a community of people who support each other...

Frank

Frank provides honest information about drugs and alcohol. Their website provides a Drugs A-Z to help you understand drugs and alcohol, they also share advice,...

Alcoholics Anonymous

Alcoholics Anonymous support for anyone who needs support and advice about alcohol addiction. Alcoholics Anonymous is a community of people who support each other to...

Re-Solv

Solvent abuse* – gases, aerosols, nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’), poppers, petrol, glues, solvents and other volatile substances. We’re here to help. Solvent abuse affects the...

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups offer support for anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking. You can call the helpline for support,...

You have to admit you have a problem

Play Video

We are with you

Drugs and Alcohol Services

NERAF

Who are NERAF? NERAF is a charity based within Sunderland that works with individuals and their loved ones who are affected by a Substances or…

Acorns Outreach Charity

Day treatment for all forms of addiction, particularly alcohol and other drugs.

Open now: Open 24 hours

The Huntercombe Centre

Drug and/or Alcohol inpatient Detoxification and Rehabilitation Centre offering tailored treatment packages to individulas experiencing substance misuse issues

Closed now: 9:00 am - 7:00 pm

Al Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups offer support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers whether they are still drinking or not.

First Contact Clinical

First Contact Clinical is a Social Enterprise with a reputation for bringing innovative solutions to difficult problems. We have been working together since 2003. We…

Closed today

UK SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery is a science-based programme that provides a network of mutual-aid to help people manage their recovery from any type of addictive behaviour. There…

Youth Drug and Alcohol Project (YDAP)

YDAP Sunderland is a service which offers help and advice about alcohol and drugs for young people, parents or carers. We work with young people…

South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service

Welcome to our partnership for adult drug and alcohol services in South Tyneside South Tyneside Adult Recovery Service is for adults affected by substance misuse…

Closed today

Useful Links

YoungMinds Parent Helpline

YoungMinds offer tailored information, advice and support to parents and carers who are concerned about their child or young person’s mental health. You can speak...

Getting mental health support for your child

If you’re worried about your child’s mental health, there are different places where you can find help. Your GP, your child’s school and considering whether...

Re-Solv

Solvent abuse* – gases, aerosols, nitrous oxide (‘laughing gas’), poppers, petrol, glues, solvents and other volatile substances. We’re here to help. Solvent abuse affects the...

Al-Anon Family Groups

Al-Anon Family Groups offer support for anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking. You can call the helpline for support,...

Addiction Family Support

Support for families, friends and partners affected or bereaved by a loved one’s use of drugs, alcohol or gambling. They have email and helpline support...

Drinkaware

Drinkaware is an independent charity which aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking. Their website provides a range...