Substance Use Information.Support Without Stigma.
Clear, evidence-based information about substance use, harm reduction, treatment and recovery — for individuals, families and healthcare professionals across the UK.
You are not alone. Information is available. Help is available. You will not be judged.
Need help now?
Choose the option that fits your situation. If in doubt, call 999 for emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent advice.
Need help but don't know where to start?
You don't have to figure it out alone.
Free and confidential support may be closer than you think. Search by postcode, town or location — many services accept self-referrals, and some offer drop-in access.
You don't have to wait until things get worse to ask for help.
Start where you are
What are you looking for?
Four routes through the site, depending on what brought you here today.
I'm worried about my substance use
Understand what you're experiencing and explore your options for support.
I'm worried about someone else
Learn how to recognise signs of problematic substance use and how you can help.
I work in healthcare
Access evidence, guidance, education and resources for supporting people affected by substance use.
I want to learn
Explore substances, effects, risks, dependence, stigma, treatment and recovery.
Free & low-barrier support
Free support — no judgement, no appointment where available
Many people delay asking for help because they think they need money, a diagnosis, a GP referral, or to have stopped using first. That is not always the case.
No GP? That's OK.
Some drug and alcohol services accept self-referrals or provide drop-in access. You can contact services directly to ask what support is available.
Not ready to stop?
You don't have to be ready to stop using substances to ask for help. Services can offer harm-reduction advice, naloxone, testing, and support to reduce use.
Local services, verified
Every listing shows when it was last verified and where the information came from. If something is unverified, we say so rather than guessing.
Understanding substances
Search the substance information library
Plain-language pages covering effects, dependence, withdrawal, overdose risk, harm reduction and treatment options.
Is this an emergency?
If someone is unconscious, having difficulty breathing, may have overdosed, or is in immediate danger — call 999 now. You will not get anyone into trouble by calling for medical help.
For urgent but non-life-threatening concerns, NHS 111 can advise. A service finder never replaces emergency medical advice.
For healthcare professionals
Clinical information, practice resources and pharmacy-specific guidance
Assessment and screening tools, stigma-free language, referral pathways, naloxone, opioid substitution treatment and communication guidance — with authoritative sources named.
Language matters
Words used in healthcare shape whether people disclose, return and engage. Test your language and see why some familiar terms are stigmatising.