People affected by a loved one’s substance use or gambling can struggle to get help, advice and relevant information. Adfam offers its own support services, but you may find these other organisations useful, too:
FAMILY SUPPORT
National
Addiction Family Support. Supporting people affected or bereaved by a loved one’s addiction. Helpline: 0300 888 3853 | Monday – Friday 9am – 9pm | Weekends 9am – 1pm | 365 days a year.
Al-Anon. Al-Anon family groups provide support to anyone who is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking. Also run a telephone helpline.
Families Anonymous. Support groups and a telephone helpline for families and friends concerned about drug abuse or related behavioural problems.
Nacoa. Provides support for everyone affected by a parents’ drinking, including a telephone helpline 0800 358 3456.
Smart Recovery. An international community of peer support groups that help people recover from addictive behaviours, including alcoholism, drug addiction, gambling. Their F&F programme draws on the four key points of SMART Recovery and adapted these to suit the needs of family & friends of people with a drug and/or alcohol addiction.
North East
Gateshead
Adfam. Remote one-to-one support to adults affected by a loved one’s substance use.
Newcastle
PROPS. Specialist service improving lives of families affected by alcohol and drug use.
Northumberland
ESCAPE Family Support. Working across Northumberland with those affected by a loved ones drugs and alcohol, offering a range of services, courses and activities.
Stockton-on-Tees
Bridges Family and Carer Service. Offering advice and support to families and carers affected by drug and alcohol misuse across Stockton-On-Tees.
Tyne & Wear
PROPS. Specialist service improving lives of families affected by alcohol and drug use.
North West
Birkenhead
Spider Project SILK Family and Carers’ Support Service. Support for individuals affected by a family member, friend, or loved one that is struggling with substance misuse.
Cumbria
CADAS. Provides support for individuals, family members, and carers affected by addiction in Cumbria, promoting recovery in the community.
Liverpool
Sanctuary Family Suppport. Free and confidential support for people and families in Liverpool affected by drug or alcohol issues.Sanctuary Family Support.
Yorkshire & the Humber
York
York Carers Centre. Free support for unpaid carers in York. Run a substance misuse and carer support group.
East Midlands
Derby
Aquarius. Provide alcohol, drug and gambling support services for adults across the Midlands, including a family service for those affected by someone else’s addiction in Derby.
Northamptonshire
Family Support Link. Provides support for families affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use across Northamptonshire, including 1:1 support, a telephone helpline, group and peer support to families and friends, as well as providing education and building understanding across agencies and communities.
Nottinghamshire
Hetty’s. Providing emotional help and support to families in Nottinghamshire affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug use.
West Midlands
Dudley
Alternat+ves. Provides both online and face-to-face (in Dudley, West Midlands) support groups for families and friends who suffer because of their loved one’s use of addictive substances and activities.
Staffordshire
Dilemma. Support for families in Staffordshire with a loved one with an addiction.
East of England
Suffolk
Iceni. Delivers a range of therapeutic and practical interventions to transform the lives of families and children affected by substance misuse in Suffolk
London
Barking & Dagenham
St Luke’s Service. Runs a weekly parents and carers’ support group on Tuesday evenings specifically designed to support carers and parents impacted by drug and/or alcohol use.
Bexley
Pier Road Project. Provide free and confidential support to people in Bexley who have been affected by someone else’s drinking or drug use.
Camden
CGL – Some Space. Some Space helps Camden residents aged 18 and over who are affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use.
Greenwich
Adfam. Remote one-to-one support to adults in Greenwich affected by a loved one’s substance use.
Hammersmith & Fulham
Turning Point. Supporting those living in the London Boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea or Hammersmith and Fulham that have been affected by another’s drinking and/or drug taking please contact Turning Point’s families and friends service on:
3boroughsfamiliesteam@turning-point.co.uk.
Islington
Better Lives. Better Lives offers free and confidential support for Islington residents affected by drug or alcohol problems, as well as their families and carers.
Kensington & Chelsea
Turning Point. Supporting those living in the London Boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea or Hammersmith and Fulham that have been affected by another’s drinking and/or drug taking please contact Turning Point’s families and friends service on:
3boroughsfamiliesteam@turning-point.co.uk.
Lambeth
Adfam. Remote one-to-one support to adults in Lambeth affected by a loved one’s substance use.
Newham
Newham RISE. Offers one-to-one and group support for individuals with a loved one that is using drugs or alcohol, or young people living under the care of someone using substances or alcohol.
Richmond upon Thames
ASCA. Offers a Carers’ Service (including a Carers’ Group Programme) providing confidential advice, education, information and one to one counselling.
Southwark
CGL Drug and Alcohol Service Southwark. CGL’s Family and Carers team can help if you are worried about a friend or family member, offering advice on how to support them, whether it’s drugs, alcohol or their wellbeing that you’re concerned about.
Sutton
Cranstoun Inspire. Community drug and alcohol service working across the London Borough of Sutton. Download their family support flyer here.
Westminster
Turning Point. Supporting those living in the London Boroughs of Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea or Hammersmith and Fulham that have been affected by another’s drinking and/or drug taking please contact Turning Point’s families and friends service on:
3boroughsfamiliesteam@turning-point.co.uk.
South East
Buckinghamshire
One Recovery Bucks. Confidential, free and easy-to-access service to anyone living in Buckinghamshire impacted by their own or someone else’s use of alcohol and drugs.
East Sussex
Adfam. Remote one-to-one support to adults affected by a loved one’s substance use.
Essex
Blossome. Compassionate self-care community supporting anyone affected by a loved one’s drinking, drug use or gambling addiction.
The Children’s Society East. Family Support services offering a safe, inclusive space where families can connect, learn and grow together. Delivers family support groups and one-to-one support for families affected by issues such as substance use, mental health, self-harm or trauma.
Hampshire
PSL. PSL supports and informs the family and friends of people who use substances (drugs / alcohol)
Hertfordshire
The Living Room. The Living Room provides structured, specialist support for friends, family members and carers across Hertfordshire (over 18) — recognising that recovery is stronger when families are supported too.
Milton Keynes
DAFS. Works to help families find themselves again within the chaos of their loved one’s substance or alcohol addiction
Oxford
ADAPT Oxford. The ADAPT family programme helps those affected by a loved one’s alcohol or other drug use.
Portsmouth
Rebound. Rebound is a non-profit support group dedicated to uplifting and guiding the loved ones of those struggling with addiction.
Southampton
PSL. PSL supports and informs the family and friends of people who use substances (drugs / alcohol)
South West
South Gloucestershire
Developing Health and Independence (DHI). DHI’s families and carers service Families Also Matter helps to reduce the impact of someone else’s drug or alcohol use on their families and friends.
Wiltshire
Families Out Loud. A Wiltshire charity working with families challenged by someone else’s drug and alcohol dependency through online and in-person services.
Wales
Scotland
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs. A national charity which supports anyone affected by someone else’s alcohol/drug use in Scotland.
Northern Ireland
DRUG AND ALCOHOL TREATMENT AND SUPPORT
BRISTOL DRUGS PROJECT
Drug and alcohol services charity in Bristol supporting people towards independence from drugs and alcohol.
CHANGE, GROW, LIVE
National health and social care charity, helping with challenges including drugs and alcohol, housing, justice, health and wellbeing.
CHANGING LIVES
Nationwide charity helping people facing challenging times to make positive change – for good.
CRANSTOUN
Cranstoun provides services and programmes for adults and young people who need support addressing their use of alcohol and other drugs, domestic abuse, housing and those in contact with the criminal justice system.
EDP
EDP Drug & Alcohol Services offers friendly, free, confidential drug and alcohol support in Devon and Dorset.
FORWARD TRUST
National charity helping people with drug or alcohol issues, past offending, homelessness or unemployment.
HUMANKIND
Charity offering free, confidential support for alcohol, drugs, housing or mental health in friendly local places.
INSPIRE LANCS
Services across Lancashire are designed to encourage individuals to find the strength and resources within themselves to achieve and sustain the life and behavioural changes they seek.
KALEIDOSCOPE PROJECT
A charity methadone drug clinic who provide help and support to people with alcohol abuse, drug abuse, drug addiction, including multiple services in Wales.
THE MATTHEW PROJECT
The Matthew Project is a charity which supports children and adults across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex with drug and alcohol recovery and wellbeing.
MOTIV8 ADDICTION SERVICES
Charity providing drug and alcohol treatment and support on the Isle of Man.
NHS INCLUSION
A national organisation that works with individuals, families and communities who are affected by addiction, crime, mental health or need treatment for their sexual health.
NORTH YORKSHIRE HORIZONS
Adult drug and alcohol recovery service in North Yorkshire, working to help as many people as possible to be free from drug and alcohol dependency.
OPEN ROAD
Drug and alcohol support service based in Essex and Medway, Kent.
PHOENIX FUTURES
A charity and housing association helping people overcome drug and alcohol problems for more, providing residential, prison, community, and specialist services.
PROJECT 6
Drug and alcohol charity working across West and South Yorkshire, including Keighley, Bradford, Sheffield and Doncaster.
TURNING POINT
A health and social care service provider that utilizes a person-centered care approach to support individuals with complex needs, which include drug and alcohol-related issues, mental health, learning, and employment-related issues.
VIA
A charity offering free, confidential support to adults and young people with issues around alcohol and drug use.
WE ARE WITH YOU
A charity that offers free, confidential support to people in England and Scotland who have issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health.
GENERAL DRUG AND ALCOHOL INFORMATION
ALCOHOL CHANGE UK
The national organisation campaigning for effective alcohol policy and improved services for people whose lives are affected by alcohol-related problems.
COLLECTIVE VOICE
The national charity working to improve England’s drug and alcohol treatment and recovery system.
DAN 24/7
Free and confidential telephone helpline for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs or alcohol, including families and carers. Phone 0808 808 2234 anytime day or night and they will give you help and advice.
DRINK AND DRUG NEWS (DDN)
Monthly magazine with news, updates and features from across the substance use field. Also produces their rehab guide, a free resource proving information on addiction treatment options.
DRINKLINE
Advice to those worried about their own, or a loved one’s, alcohol use. Contact their free helpline on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am – 8pm, weekends 11am – 4pm).
DRUGSAND.ME
a social enterprise providing accessible and comprehensive drug education interventions to reduce drug-related harm.
DRUGSCIENCE
An independent, science-led drugs charity, bringing together leading drugs experts from a wide range of specialisms to carry out ground-breaking original research into drug harms and effects.
DRUGWISE
provides access to evidence-based drug, alcohol and tobacco information, news and resources, including an international knowledge hub.
FRANK
National drug information service with factfiles and FAQs.
NHS ADDICTION PROVIDERS ALLIANCE
An alliance of NHS addictions service providers from across the UK.
NHS ALCOHOL SUPPORT
Includes information on alcoholism, binge drinking and caring for someone with an alcohol problem.
NO MORE PRETENDING
Non-profit think tank and alcohol recovery advocacy group led by Punjabis with living and lived experience of alcohol issues representing the voices of Punjabi communities.
RE-SOLV
Providing online support and counselling for anyone whose life is affected by volatile substance abuse (‘solvent abuse’), including family members and friends.
RELEASE
Organisation providing free legal advice on drug issues, and a helpline – 020 7342 2989.
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
ALATEEN
mutual support groups for teenage relatives and friends of alcoholics. Alateen is part of Al-Anon.
ANNA FREUD
Children and young people’s wellbeing resources aim to empower young people to make informed choices about their mental health & wellbeing.
CHILDLINE
Help and advice for children about a wide range of issues, call 0800 1111, or visit the website to talk to a counsellor online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards.
THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY
Charity for children threatened by abuse, exploitation and neglect. Website includes information around children affected by a family member’s substance use.
KOOTH
An online anonymous online mental wellbeing community for young people.
NACOA (National Association for the Children of Alcoholics)
Provides support for everyone affected by a parents’ drinking, including a telephone helpline 0800 358 3456.
NIP IN THE BUD
Provides films and practical approaches to help parents, teachers, social care staff and others with early recognition of potential mental health conditions in children.
YOUNGMINDS
A children and young people’s mental health charity. They have a Parents Helpline Team that offers information, advice and support to any parent/carer who is worried about their child’s mental health or emotional wellbeing (up to the age of 25).
GRANDPARENTS AND KINSHIP CARERS
KINSHIP
The national charity for kinship carers.
FAMILY RIGHTS GROUP
Advice for parents and other family members whose children are involved with, or require, social services.
NATIONAL CARE-LINE
A voluntary organisation providing information about care and support for older people, their carers and families.
PARENTS, PARTNERS AND OTHER RELATIONSHIPS
FAMILY LIVES
Provides help and support for anyone caring for a child.
ONE PLUS ONE
Giving people the knowledge and skills to form, maintain, and strengthen relationships with the people in their lives.
ONLYDADS
Nationwide charity helping people facing challenging times to make positive change – for good.
ONLYMUMS
A national social enterprise that supports parents who are looking to make the best decisions for their family during separation and divorce.
RELATE
Offer advice and relationship counselling for couples, and also provides advice for parents and other family members to help families deal with difficult times.
GAMBLING
BEACON COUNSELLING TRUST
Supporting people in North West England experiencing gambling related harm.
BETKNOWMOREUK
UK charity helping people take back control of their life from gambling.
GAMCARE
Free support for anyone affected by gambling harms across Great Britain. Run the national gambling helpline on 0808 8020 133, available 24/7.
GAMFAM
A charity for those who have experienced first-hand the devastating effects that gambling can have on family and friends.
GORDON MOODY ASSOCIATION
Provides treatment for those whose lives have been severely affected by gambling addiction.
NHS NATIONAL GAMBLING CLINIC
Treats people living in England who are experiencing harm from gambling across seven regional centres. The team assesses the needs of people whom gambling has become a problem as well as those of their partners and family members.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE
CLINKS
Infrastructure organisation supporting voluntary organisations in the criminal justice system in England and Wales.
OFFENDERS' FAMILIES HELPLINE
The free and confidential national helpline for families of offenders, providing information and advice on all aspects of the criminal justice system.
RELEASE
Release is the national centre of expertise on drugs and drugs law. They provide free, non-judgmental, specialist advice and information to the public and professionals on issues related to drug use and to drug laws.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
AGENDA ALLIANCE
Advocates for change for women and girls at risk.
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Provides a free, fast emergency injunction service to survivors of domestic violence regardless of their financial circumstances, race, gender or sexual orientation.
REFUGE
Provide domestic violence advice and helpline for women and children. Also deliver the National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 24/7 service: 0808 2000 247
RESPECT
The national organisation for professionals working with people to end their abusive behaviour.
WOMEN'S AID
Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic violence against women and children and supports a network of over 500 services across the UK.
BEREAVEMENT
CHILD BEREAVEMENT UK
Supports families and educates professionals when a baby or child of any age dies or is dying, or when a child is facing bereavement.
CHILDHOOD BEREAVEMENT NETWORK
The hub for those working with bereaved children, young people and their families across the UK.
CHANGING LIVES
Nationwide charity helping people facing challenging times to make positive change – for good.
CRUSE BEREAVEMENT CARE
Exist to promote the wellbeing of all bereaved people and to enable them to understand their grief and cope with their loss.
SUICIDE & CO
Supporting people that have been bereaved through suicide. Support on offer includes a counselling service and a telephone helpline.
THE COMPASSIONATE FRIENDS
Provide support to any parent whose child has died. They offer a helpline, an online forum, legal advice and befriending services. They also run a service for bereaved siblings.
THE GOOD GRIEF TRUST
Bereavement support charity with over over 600 local, regional and national bereavement support services listed on their central database of support for those bereaved across the UK.
WIDOWED & YOUNG
Offer support to anyone under 50 who has lost their partner. This may take the form of peer support, practical advice, meet-ups and more.
WINSTON'S WISH
A national charity that supports bereaved children and young people after the death of a significant person. Offer practical bereavement support and guidance to bereaved children and young people up to the age of 25, their families, and the professionals supporting them