Free & low-barrier support
You don't have to pay, and you don't have to be ready to stop
Most people delay asking for help for years. Often the reasons are practical or based on assumptions that turn out not to be true.
Common barriers
Six reasons people don't ask — and what's actually true
"I can't afford help."
NHS and locally commissioned drug and alcohol services are free at the point of use across the UK. Needle and syringe provision, naloxone, and blood-borne virus testing are also free.
"I'm not registered with a GP."
Many services accept self-referrals and do not require a GP referral. You can also register with a GP without a fixed address or proof of ID in the UK.
"I'm not ready to stop."
You do not need to want to stop to be seen. Services provide harm reduction, health checks and practical support alongside — or instead of — treatment aimed at abstinence.
"I don't want it on my record / told to anyone."
Services are confidential. Information is normally only shared without your consent where there is a serious risk to you or someone else — ask any service to explain their policy.
"I've been before and it didn't work."
Coming back is expected and services will not turn you away for having disengaged before. Most people who reach stable recovery have made several attempts.
"I don't know what I need."
That is a completely acceptable starting point. An assessment conversation is designed to work that out with you.
In our directory
Services with low-barrier access
Listings from our verified directory that are free, offer drop-in access, or accept self-referrals.
- Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
Alcohol & Drugs Action (ADA)
Drug and alcohol support for Aberdeen and the surrounding area, including a duty drop-in service where no appointment is required.
- Free
- Walk-in / drop-in
- Self-referral
- No GP referral required
- Confidential support
- Aberdeen, Aberdeen City
Aberdeen in Recovery (AiR)
A recovery community supporting people moving from dependence towards independence, through peer support and community activity. AiR is a recovery community rather than a clinical treatment service.
- Self-referral
- No GP referral required
- Banff, Aberdeenshire
Step-In Drug & Alcohol Support — Banff
Step-In locations are designed to make drug and alcohol support easier to reach. Step-In services can provide assessment, treatment, harm-reduction support and links to wider services.
- Walk-in / drop-in
- Same-day support
- Inverurie, Aberdeenshire
Step-In Drug & Alcohol Support — Inverurie
Step-In locations are designed to make drug and alcohol support easier to reach. Step-In services can provide assessment, treatment, harm-reduction support and links to wider services.
- Walk-in / drop-in
- Same-day support
- Peterhead, Aberdeenshire
Step-In Drug & Alcohol Support — Peterhead
Step-In locations are designed to make drug and alcohol support easier to reach. Step-In services can provide assessment, treatment, harm-reduction support and links to wider services.
- Walk-in / drop-in
- Same-day support
- Fraserburgh, Aberdeenshire
Step-In Drug & Alcohol Support — Fraserburgh
Step-In locations are designed to make drug and alcohol support easier to reach. Step-In services can provide assessment, treatment, harm-reduction support and links to wider services.
- Walk-in / drop-in
- Same-day support
- Stonehaven, Aberdeenshire
Step-In Drug & Alcohol Support — Stonehaven
Step-In locations are designed to make drug and alcohol support easier to reach. Step-In services can provide assessment, treatment, harm-reduction support and links to wider services.
- Walk-in / drop-in
- Same-day support