Other support for you
My living well have a range of online services which may be able to help
Our services directory has information on services local to you that can give you/your family the support you need.
Drugs
Recreational Drug use
The term 'using drugs' is often referred to as substance misuse and when we think about drugs we often think about
- Heroin
- Cocaine
- Cannabis
- Ecstasy
We also think of drugs such as spice which is often mentioned in the media.
However, there are other drugs that we may come across more often such as prescription medications that can also be abused like
- Painkillers
- Sleeping tablets
- Medicines for the treatment of anxiety and depression
It is important that you are aware of the impact drugs may have on your body, both in the short term and what the likelihood will be with prolonged drug taking.
Regular drug taking can lead to addiction. This is where your body gets so used to having the drug in its system that it starts to rely on that substance in order to function. This can cause a lot of long term health issues which in some circumstances can result in illness and even death.
Drugs and mental health
Recreational drugs and alcohol can have negative effects on your mental health. Mind has produced some useful information that you can access using the link provided which explores the impact alcohol and drugs can have on a person.
Find out more about Mental Health and recreational drug and alcohol here (Opens in a new window)
When taking drugs can affect children
Misusing substances can make it harder for parents and carers to look after their children. For example, they might find it hard to stay organised, keep their home clean, or pay for essentials such as food and clothing (if the money meant for those things has been spent on drugs instead).
What is misuse?
Some parents who use drugs do so in moderation and aren't a danger to their children, but addiction or dependence can develop over time and can put children at risk of:
- physical and emotional abuse or neglect
- behavioural or emotional problems
- having to care for their parents or siblings
- poor attendance at school or low grades
- experiencing poverty
- being exposed to drugs or criminal activity
- being separated from parents.
Once a parent's drug use has caused any of these negative effects, it's defined as 'misuse'.
More information on this is available from the NSPCC
National Drugs helpline (Talk to Frank)
Frank is a website and telephone helpline offering confidential advice, information and support to anyone concerned about drugs and solvent/volatile substance misuse, including drug misusers, their families, friends and carers. Their website has an A - Z of different types of drugs and the effects they can have on a person. You can check current news stories and learn about people’s experiences.
Website: Talk To Frank
National Drugs Helpline: 0300 123 6600 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Text: 82111
Email: frank@talktofrank.com or use Frank's online contact form
Local support for adults - New Vision Bradford
New Vision Bradford, delivered by Humankind, is a free and confidential drug and alcohol support service for adults 18 years and over (including offenders), families and concerned others in Bradford.
New Vision supports service users in achieving their own goals, whether that's stopping use completely or just cutting down. Their staff have a great deal of experience in what works; many of them have experienced drug or alcohol issues themselves.
As well as detox services, they provide one-to-one support, group therapy, family support, health and wellbeing checks, screenings and vaccinations, harm reduction support, residential rehab and support into paid work.
For further information:
Website: New Vision Bradford – Humankind
Telephone: 01274 296023, open 9.15am-5.15pm, Monday - Friday
Email: info@newvisionbradford.org.uk
Local support for young people - The Bridge Project (One80)
One80 is a service is for young people up to age 21 living across the district of Bradford, who are concerned about their own use of drugs and alcohol including:
- Alcohol.
- Cannabis.
- Stimulants (Amphetamine/Cocaine).
- Club Drugs and Novel Psychoactive Substances (NSP).
- Opiates and Crack.
They also support family members, friends, schools, social workers, and other professionals who are concerned about a young person’s use of drugs and alcohol.
The service offers:
- Confidential support led by the young person.
- Comprehensive assessment including personal strengths, substance misuse issues, mental and physical health, wellbeing, safeguarding, family, and social needs.
- Access to wide range of online advice, information, and self-help resources.
- Advice, prevention, and early intervention for lower risk misuse.
- Structured treatment for complex needs and established patterns of use.
- Consultation and support for family members, friends, schools, social workers, and other professionals where consent has been given.
- Supported referrals to a wide range of community services for mental health, social isolation, education, peer mentoring, healthy activities, family, and relationship support.
- Management of treatment transition pathways for young adults.
Please contact for more information
Website: Bridge Project One80
Telephone: 01274 723863
Email: info@thebridgeproject.org.uk
Professionals and parent carers can make a direct referral using the Professionals Referral form