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People develop problems with drugs or alcohol for a variety of reasons. This can cause difficulties for individuals, their health, their families, and at work, school, or college.

Alcohol

Most of the time, people find drinking alcohol pleasurable. However, the amount that we drink sometimes increases without us noticing and it can start to impact our own wellbeing and the people around us.

No one can say that drinking alcohol is safe, but by drinking within the recommended guidelines, you can lower the risk of harming your health. It is recommended not to drink more than 14 units a week, spread over three or more days, and with a few days off in between. 

You can work out how much you are really drinking by taking the free alcohol test below.

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Overtime, excessive drinking can increase your risk of many health conditions, including:

  • High blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, liver disease & digestive problems
  • Cancer, including breast and mouth cancer
  • Learning & memory problems, including dementia
  • Mental health problems, including depression & anxiety

If you are concerned about your own drinking or about a friend or family member, support is available to help you cut down, give up or support someone else.

Drug use

Using drugs can have a harmful and unpredictable impact on many aspects of life, including mental health, physical health, mood, and behaviour.

Not all drugs are the same, and different drugs have different risks of harm associated with them. The risk of harm relates to different types of illegal drugs, new psychoactive substances, and misuse of prescribed medications. This risk of harm from drugs increases in relation to quantity and frequency, and when mixing the use of different substances. 

If you are concerned about your use of drugs, or about a friend or family member, support is available to help you cut down, give up, or to support someone else.

Access support from DAWN: the Drug and Alcohol Wellbeing Network

DAWN, the West Sussex Drug and Alcohol Wellbeing Network, provides support to people of any age, who are looking to reduce or stop their drinking or use of drugs.

The service can offer free and confidential professional support, ranging from information and advice, counselling, detox and rehab. While contacting a drug or alcohol support service might feel daunting at first, you don’t need to worry. Staff will not judge you and you can access as much or as little help as you want at times to suit you. It helps to have a note of any medication you are taking and who your GP is the first time you visit the service. 

Young people aged up to 24 can contact the service via:

Text: 07779339954 (someone will ring you back).

Phone: First Step Team - 0330 128 1113

Email: wsypsms@cgl.org.uk (Under 25's referral email)

 

Adults aged 25 and over can contact the service via:

Phone: First Step Team - 0330 128 1113

Email: WestSussex.contact@cgl.org.uk (Adult referral email)

Carers Support West Sussex

Are you affected by someone else's drinking or drug use?

If you’re a carer and you are affected by the drink and drug use of the person you care for, Carers Support West Sussex provide a confidential service providing information, advice and support. They offer:

  • information about drugs and alcohol
  • local support groups
  • a quarterly newsletter.

For more information, please contact Carers Support West Sussex.

Phone: 0300 028 8888.

Last updated: 18 July 2024

Websites you may be interested in

Drug and Alcohol Wellbeing Network - West Sussex

Drug and Alcohol Wellbeing Network - West Sussex

Drink Coach

Drink Coach

Frank

Honest information about drugs.

talktofrank.com