Action on Addiction - Provides research, prevention, 12-step residential or structured day treatments, after care, professional education, support for families and children and campaigns.
Action on Addiction say addiction is a treatable condition. If you find the right treatment to suit your needs it can change your life and help you to realise your full potential. If you contact them on 0845 126 4130 they can advise on appropriate treatment.
Addaction - Recognises that there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach to helping people recover from drug and alcohol addictions, so provides a diverse range of services that aim to meet different needs. This includes:
One to one counselling with a key worker; complementary and talking therapies; peer group discussion; a residential rehabilitation facility; needle exchange; financial and housing advice; family support; and after care. Has around 120 projects in England and Scotland.
Alcoholics Anonymous - Alcoholics Anonymous is a peer support organisation, which aims to help people stay sober. Men and women share their experience, strength and hope with each other at AA meetings to help solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism.
The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. There are no fees for A.A. membership. AA is self-supporting through contributions from members.
NHS National Problem Gambling Clinic - If you live in England or Wales and are over 16, you can refer yourself to the only specialist NHS clinic for problem gamblers, operating from the Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust.
The services available are: Individual and group treatment over a number of weeks; a safe and confidential place to talk; health professionals experienced in helping people stop gambling; a regular support group; support in the event of relapse; help with managing your money better; advice on employment, social and relationship difficulties; and practical support for families and people close to you who may also be affected. For more information, visit the clinic's website.
GamCare - GamCare is the main support organisation for people looking to give up gambling in the UK.
It runs a national telephone helpline (0808 8020 133) as well as providing face-to-face counselling, online counselling (for people who live outside the areas where face to face counselling is available) and short term residential treatment (at Broadway Lodge near Western super Mare). As a useful starting point it also provides online self assessment.
Gamblers Anonymous - Gamblers Anonymous uses the same twelve-step approach as Alcoholics Anonymous and also has a support group for relatives called Gam-Anon.
QUIT - QUIT aims to help people stop smoking. It advises that if you use medication and support you can quadruple your chances of success.
You can talk to a a QUIT counsellor on 0800 00 22 00. The QUIT website contains information about different forms of Nicotine Replacement Therapy ie patches, gum, lozenges, microtabs, nasal spray and inhalers – and also provides information about Zyban and Champix.
Smoke Free (NHS) - Provides advice and information, including about Quit Tools – an Addiction Test, Cost Calculator, Quit Kit, Quit app, Support materials and Stress busting MP3s.
Published 14/08/2011, Review date March 2014