Alcohol and drug use support services

If you are concerned about your use of drugs or alcohol, or about a friend or family member, a range of support options are available to help you cut down, stop altogether, or to support someone else. 

Not sure if you’re drinking too much? Take the DrinkCoach test

• This free, quick, and easy tool asks a few simple questions about your drinking habits and provides a personalised score.
• It will help you understand your drinking level, whether it could be affecting your health, and what steps to take next—whether that’s self-help tips or professional support. It only takes two minutes find out!

Take the Alcohol Test

DrinkCoach online coaching

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

• Free, confidential online coaching to help you cut down on alcohol, at your own pace.
• 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.

Turning Point

Local drug and alcohol service for adults aged 18+

• 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

Cranstoun Here4YOUth

Local drug and alcohol service for children and young people

• 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.
• 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.
• For advice or to refer, call 01865 590825, visit Oxfordshire Here4YOUth | Cranstoun, or email here4youthox@cranstoun.org.uk. No CAMHS referral required.
• More information for young people: Drugs and alcohol | OXME.INFO

Needle Exchange service

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 where to access the service (pdf format, 139 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.
• Information on Take-Home Naloxone and where to access the service can be found here.

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.