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Support over the holidays

Helplines

If you’re struggling over the festive season, there is help available for you. Here’s a list of helplines that will be open on Christmas day and New Year's day if you need support:

Relapse advice

We understand that this time of year can be difficult and emotional for some people. 
 
If you’re worried about relapsing, there are a few things you can do to take care of yourself. Spend time with people who support you. Try to avoid triggers. Make use of the support available. Keep yourself busy. Make a list of positive things you’ve gained because of your recovery. 
 
There’s more information about preventing relapse and what to do if you have one here

Alcohol advice

Drug advice

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Your wellbeing

If you're going through a difficult time, you might end up feeling low or run-down. The Five Ways to Wellbeing is a simple five-step plan for improving your mental and physical health and wellbeing. Some of it might seem obvious, but it works and lots of our staff swear by it. 

  1. Connect - spend time with people who make you feel good
  2. Be active - exercise or even a short walk can help you feel better
  3. Keep learning - learning someting new can be a good way of taking your mind off anything negative
  4. Give to others - doing something nice for someone else can make you feel good too
  5. Be mindful - try to be in the moment and focus on what's happening with and around you right now

Read more about the 5 ways to wellbeing and find self-care tips here.

Service information

If you need support or want to speak to a service, you can search for your closest one below. They're free and confidential and everyone is welcome.

If you're already using one of our services, you can search for their contact information to find out things like opening hours over the festive season and prescription info.

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Prescription checklist

Have you sorted your prescription for the festive season? No worries if not - we've got a checklist to help you out:

  • Check your pharmacy's opening times
  • Find out in advance how and when you'll be getting your prescription
  • Speak to your keyworker to prepare a holiday prescription if you're going away
  • If you haven't already got one, get a safe storage box for your medication. This is very important if you're having guests visit.
  • Collect a naloxone kit from your service. It could save a life.

Useful websites and apps

narcotics anonymous preview

Narcotics Anonymous

Regular support groups all over the country for people with an addiction to drugs.
Visit the site
NA meeting search app screenshot in a phone

NA Meeting search app

Find your nearest Narcotics Anonymous meeting, anywhere around the world.
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play
cociane anonymous website preview

Cocaine Anonymous

Groups across the country where you can share your experience of managing or recovering from a cocaine addiction.
Visit the site
fridaymonday preview

Friday/Monday

Information about sex and drugs, and reducing harm, for gay and bisexual men.
Visit the site
release website preview

Release

Harm reduction advice for different drugs and information around drug law and your rights.
Visit the site
drugfam preview

Drugfam

Support for families, friends and partners affected by someone else’s addiction to drugs or alcohol.
Visit the site
talk to frank website preview

Talk to Frank

Information about drugs, their effects and the law.
Visit the site
Preview of MEN R US website

MEN R US

Health, life and wellbeing information and support for gay men. Advice on drugs and chemsex.
Visit the site
Alcohol Change UK website

Alcohol Change UK

Get help and support if you're worried about your drinking or somebody else's. Read alcohol facts and research.
Visit the site