Shameless

As this current series of Shameless unfolds, Paddy's enforced drug addiction becomes a living nightmare. If your life has been affected by this storyline, you may find these support organisations useful.

Going 'Cold Turkey' on your own is perhaps not the recommended way for everyone to deal with a drug problem. The drugs helpline FRANK can give information and support on any issues to do with drugs on 0800 77 66 00 (free, confidential and open 24 hours a day). You can email your problem to frank@talktofrank.com. You can also check out their website at www.talktofrank.com. There's also a text service for the hard of hearing on 0800 917 8765.

Drugsline provides free and confidential information and support for people with drugs and alcohol related issues, their families and friends. Call their Crisis & Support Line 0808 1 606 606 (free, Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Thursdays 7pm to 10.30pm, and Sundays 10am to 1pm). Or go to www.drugsline.org where you'll find straightforward information on the effects and penalties of using drugs.

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 www.adfam.org.uk for information on a variety of organisations for parents and families.

Parentline Plus offers help and support to anyone in a parenting role. Call 0808 800 22 22 (free, confidential open 24 hours a day). They provide an email helpline for the times when it's easier to write than talk. Just send to parentsupport@parentlineplus.org.uk. You can also find more information on the website at www.parentlineplus.org.uk. There's a new website for anyone with a teenager in their life at www.gotateenager.org.uk.

Release offers support and information for people with drug problems, including prescription drugs. Their legal helpline is staffed by qualified lawyers and trained volunteers, who will provide information and advice in relation to drugs and the law. Call the Legal Line or the Drug Helpline on 0845 4500 215 (local rate, Mondays to Fridays 11am to 1pm and 2pm to 4pm). You can also email ask@release.org.uk or checkout their website at www.release.org.uk.

Get Connected is a helpline and email service helping young people find the best support whatever their problem. It's especially good for anyone thinking of running away or leaving home, or for anyone who has left home already. Call 0808 808 4994 (free, including from main mobile phone operators, 1pm to 11pm every day). The email address is help@getconnected.org.uk or check out the website at www.getconnected.org.uk

Lifeline produces booklets which give advice, information and support for young drug users and their friends and family. To order copies call 0161 839 2075 or write to Lifeline Publications, 39 to 41 Thomas Street, Manchester M1 4NA. You can also email them at publications@lifeline.org.uk. Some information can be downloaded from their website at www.lifelinepublications.org.uk.

You can get more information on drugs, the complexities of the law, and ways to help yourself or someone else to stay clean at www.channel4.com/health.

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