Drug and alcohol addiction

Substance misuse refers to the harmful use of substances for non-medical purposes.

People who misuse substances do it regardless of the consequences because they might enjoy the feelings they get, or they use substances as a way of escaping painful and distressing thoughts.

Some substances can be physically addictive so for people who misuse them regularly it can be extremely hard to stop, and they will have withdrawal symptoms if they do not take the substance.

Substance misuse and dependence can be associated with mental health illness.

If you are the parent, partner, or carer of someone who misuses drugs or alcohol, you may feel worried, frustrated and alone. For advice and support, you can contact:

One Recovery Buckinghamshire

• Phone:           0300 772 9672
• Website:        www.onerecoverybucks.org

Turning Point Oxfordshire

• Phone:           01865 261 690
• Website:        www.turning-point.co.uk/services/oxfordshire

DrugFAM

• Phone:           0300 888 3853 helpline
• Website:        www.drugfam.co.uk

NHS website

Visit the NHS website for information on other mental health conditions.

• Website:        www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions