Dependency

The following script contains details of organisations that specialise in overcoming addictions, including dependency on alcohol, drugs, gambling and cigarettes.

Anyone can have problems with excessive drug-taking, alcohol consumption or other addictions such as compulsive gambling. Whether you are concerned for yourself, or for someone close to you, you should first discuss the situation with your family doctor or GP who should be able to give you information on what resources are available locally. This could include advice, leaflets and counselling, or support from a local community drugs team, referral to a residential unit or intensive non-residential treatment programmes.

The National Drugs Helpline provides free and confidential advice and information, as well as details of local services. Call the National Drugs Helpline on 0800 77 66 00. (It is open 24 hours a day.) You can also e-mail the National Drugs Helpline with questions via their website at www.ndh.org.uk.

Adfam runs a helpline for families and friends of drug users offering information and details of local support services. Call them on 020 7928 8900 (Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 10am-5pm).

Drinkline provides advice and information, including leaflets for people with alcohol problems in England and Wales. Call them free on 0800 917 8282 (Mondays to Fridays 9am-11pm, weekends 6pm-11pm).

Alcoholics Anonymous runs self-help groups for people who are alcoholics. You may have heard of their 12-step recovery plan. To find out more, call Alcoholics Anonymous on 0845 769 7555 (daily 11am-11pm). You can also visit their website at www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk.

Gamcare is a confidential counselling, advice and information service for people affected by a gambling dependency, including family and friends of compulsive gamblers. Call their national helpline on 0845 6000 133 (Mondays to Fridays 10am-10pm, Saturdays 10am-6pm and Sundays 6pm-10pm). Their website is at www.gamcare.org.uk.

Quitline helps smokers who want to stop smoking and those who want to continue being ex-smokers. Call their free number on 0800 002 200 (any day 9am-9pm), or check out their website at www.quit.org.uk.

The Channel 4 Health House website has lots of information about drugs and dependency. You can also ask confidential questions online in the Just Ask section. Log on to www.channel4.com/health/drugs.

This message has been prepared and is updated regularly by Programme Support at Channel 4.