Addiction problems

This script contains details of organisations specialising in overcoming addictions, including alcohol, drugs, gambling and smoking.

Anyone can have problems with excessive drug taking, alcohol consumption or other addictions. Whether you are concerned for yourself, or for someone close to you, your family doctor should be able to give you information on what is available locally. If you would like to speak to someone in confidence or find out how to get help for a specific problem, the organisations whose details follow will be able to help you.

Drinkline provides advice and information for people with alcohol problems and those who'd like to find out about safe limits. Phone them free 24 hours a day on 0800 917 8282.

Alcoholics Anonymous run free self-help groups for people who are alcoholics. You may have heard of their 12-step recovery programme. To find out more, phone Alcoholics Anonymous 24 hours a day on local rate number 0845 769 7555. You can check out their website at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk.

The Al-Anon family groups offer information and support people concerned about the drinking of a friend or family member. While young people aged 12 to 20 concerned about a parent are supported by Alateen. Both organisations can be contacted on the helpline 020 7403 0888 (every day 10am-10pm). You can also check out their website at www.al-anonuk.org.uk.

The drugs helpline FRANK can give young people and adults information and support on any issues to do with drugs. Their helpline is free, confidential and open 24 hours a day on 0800 77 66 00. You can e-mail your problem to frank@talktofrank.com or go to their website at www.talktofrank.com. There's also a text service for the hard of hearing on 0800 917 8765.

The organisation Re-Solv runs a free helpline for anyone concerned about solvent or volatile substance abuse problems. You can call in confidence on 01785 817885 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-5pm). Their website is at www.re-solv.org.

Release offers support and information for people with drug problems, including prescription drugs. They provide a Release Drug Helpline on 0845 4500 215 (Mondays - Fridays 11am - 1pm, 2 - 4pm) and the Release Legal Helpline which advises on issues of drugs and the law on 0845 4500 215 (Mondays - Fridays 11am - 1pm). You can also email ask@release.org.uk or visit their informative website at www.release.org.uk.

CITA, The Council for Information on Tranquilisers and Antidepressants, provide support and information for people who have become involuntarily addicted to their prescribed tranquillisers. Go to their website www.citawithdrawal.org.uk.

Adfam provides support for the families and friends of drug users, offering information on drugs, the criminal justice system and local support groups. Go to their website at www.adfam.org.uk.

From 1st October 2007 it became illegal to sell tobacco products to people under the age of 18. This a change from 16 and includes cigarettes, cigars, tobacco for roll your own and pipes as well as rolling papers.

The NHS Smoking Helpline has all the advice, information and support you need to stop and stay stopped. The free helpline is on 0800 169 0169 (every day 7am-11pm) with trained counsellors available between 10am and 11pm. You can also find support on the website at www.gosmokefree.co.uk which includes specialist advice for pregnant women.

Quitline helps smokers who want to stop and people trying to remain as ex-smokers. Call free on 0800 00 22 00 (every day 9am-9pm). You can also e-mail them at stopsmoking@quit.org.uk or visit their website at www.quit.org.uk which has a very good section for young people.

Gamcare is a confidential counselling, advice and information service for people affected by a gambling dependency, including family and friends of compulsive gamblers. Phone their local rate helpline on 0845 6000 133 (every day 10am-10pm). You can also e-mail them at info@gamcare.org.uk or check out their website at www.gamcare.org.uk.

National Debtline provides a free, confidential and independent helpline for people with debt problems in England, Wales and Scotland. They can give expert advice over the phone as well providing a self help information pack. Call 0808 808 4000 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-9pm, Saturdays 9.30am-1pm). You can download a lot of the information from their website at www.nationaldebtline.co.uk.

This message has been prepared and updated regularly by New Media at Channel 4.

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