Alcohol and drug use support services

Six 40-minute online sessions to help you cut down on alcohol

• DrinkCoach provides free, confidential online coaching to help you cut down on alcohol at your own pace.
• You are eligible if you’re a man drinking 15–49 units a week, or a woman drinking 15–34 units.
• No referral needed—sign up for up to six one-to-one sessions with an Alcohol Specialist.
• Available seven days a week, including evenings.
• Book your session: About Online Coaching — DrinkCoach
• Professionals can signpost or assist eligible residents to access coaching; formal referral is not required.

Local drug and alcohol service for adults aged 18+

• Turning Point provides free, confidential support for adults in Oxfordshire affected by drug or alcohol use.
• Services include advice, tailored one-to-one recovery support, access to detox and rehab, help from health professionals, drop-in sessions, group activities, and support with employment and housing.
• Find a local hub in Oxford, Banbury, Didcot or Witney—no appointment needed.
• For more information, call 01865 261690 or visit Turning Point | Get Support
• Professionals can refer by completing the online form, calling, or emailing turningpoint.oxon@nhs.net

Local drug and alcohol service for children and young people

• Cranstoun Here 4 YOUth provides free confidential advice and support for children and young people (8–25 years) in Oxfordshire around drug and alcohol use, including help for those affected by someone else's use.
• For advice or to refer, call 01865 590825, visit Oxfordshire Here4YOUth | Cranstoun, or email here4youthox@cranstoun.org.uk. No CAMHS referral required.
• Flexible appointments: online, by phone, or in person at school, college, home, or wherever the young person feels comfortable.
• One-to-one key worker support, coping skills, education and career guidance, sexual health advice, and family support.

Providing sterile injecting equipment for people who inject drugs

• Free and confidential
• Reduces the risk of transmission of blood-borne infections and enables safe disposal of used injecting equipment.
• Information on Needle Exchange and approved SWOP pharmacies (pdf format, 137 KB).

Take Home Naloxone service

Free kits and training to help people recognise and respond to opioid overdoses

• Provides free naloxone kits and training to people at risk of opioid overdose, helping prevent drug-related deaths in Oxfordshire.
• Learn more about where to collect Naloxone.

Residential treatment

A safe place to get medical care and support to stop using drugs or alcohol

• Sometimes getting drug or alcohol-free in the community is not practical, achievable or safe.
• Residential treatment provides a safe, caring and therapeutic environment for those needing extra support.
• Oxfordshire County Council commissions a range of residential detoxification and residential rehabilitation treatment programmes that offer:
  • medically supported detoxification, with regular check-ups from a nurse and GP clinical team
  • group and one-to-one support
  • social activities
  • relapse prevention planning and support
• Assessment and referrals to residential treatment are carried out by Turning Point. Call 01865 261690 or visit Turning Point | Get Support

Support for people affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use

• Lots of families in the UK have a loved one who is drinking too much or using drugs.
• If you're the parent, partner, child, friend or carer of someone who drinks too much or uses drugs, you may feel worried, frustrated and alone.
• It's important to recognise this and get the help and support you need.
• Getting help for yourself will put you in a better position to support your loved one.
• It can be helpful to talk to other people who know what you're going through.
• The NHS website offers useful links to support services for those affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use.
  • Advice for the families of people who use drugs – NHS
  • Alcohol support - NHS
• Your GP can also help you find local support and advice.

Apps

• If you're considering reducing your drinking, there's support available at your fingertips.
• Smartphone apps can be an effective way to help you reduce your alcohol intake and feel healthier.
• Apps like NHS Drink Free Days, Alcohol Change and Drinkaware offer tools to:
  • Set personal goals and track your progress
  • Record how much you drink and how it affects your mood and sleep
  • Get tips and reminders to stay on track
  • Celebrate milestones and achievements
  • Compare your drinking habits with national averages
• You can download these apps from the Apple App Store or Google Play and start making small changes that add up to a big difference

Non-commissioned drug and alcohol support services

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - Help and support for anyone with alcohol problems.
0800 9177 650
help@aamail.org (email helpline)

Drinkline - Free, confidential helpline for individuals concerned about their own or someone else's drinking.
0300 123 1110

FRANK - Confidential advice and information about drugs, their effects and the law.
0300 123 6600

Cocaine Anonymous UK - Help and support for anyone who wants to stop using cocaine.
0800 612 0225
helpline@cauk.org.uk

Narcotics Anonymous - Support for anyone who wants to stop using drugs.
0300 999 1212

Marijuana Anonymous - Help for anyone worried about cannabis use.
0300 124 0373
helpline@marijuana-anonymous.org.uk

Further support for people affected by someone else’s alcohol or drug use can be found on the NHS website:

• Advice for the families of people who use drugs – NHS