Recreational Drug use

The term ‘using drugs’, is often referred to as substance misuse and, when we think about the word 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. 

One of the most common features with regular drug taking is 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)

Drugs and alcohol support for adults

New Directions

New Directions is a free and confidential drug and alcohol recovery service for adults 18 years and over (including offenders), families and concerned others in Bradford.

The service can support you with any questions or concerns you might have about prescription medications, alcohol, illegal drugs, 'dual diagnosis and mental health, steroid use and more.

The service provides information, advice, treatment and support and can meet you in a range of different venues including GP surgeries, pharmacies and other local community venues.

Website: www.changegrowlive.org/new-directions-bradford/keighley
Telephone number: 01274 296023
Email: Bradford.Info@cgl.org.uk

National Drugs helpline

Talk to Frank

Frank is a website and telephone helpline offering advice, information and support to anyone concerned about drugs and solvent /volatile substance misuse, including drug misusers, their families, friends and carers.

Website: www.talktofrank.com
National drugs helpline: 0300 123 6600 - available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Text: 82111
Email: frank@talktofrank.com

Drugs and alcohol support for young people

Bridge Young Persons Drug and Alcohol Service (One80)

The 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 and 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:

  • Telephone support and consultation with young people who are concerned about their own use of drugs and alcohol
  • Telephone support and consultation with family members, friends, schools, social workers and other professionals who are concerned about a young person’s use of drugs and alcohol
  • Holistic assessment of need
  • Integrated work with family and services involved with young people
  • Working together to create a clear action plan that is regularly updated
  • Packages of individual education and treatment support based on need, from brief interventions through to structured treatment
  • Practical supports including referral pathways to other health and wellbeing services
  • Direct work with parents and referral to relevant support services
  • Liaison with a wide range of professionals involved with young people who are referred and are accessing the service

Website: thebridgeproject.org.uk/services/young-persons-drug-and-alcohol-service/
Telephone: 01274 745636
Email: info@thebridgeproject.org.uk

Online support for you

My living well has a range of online services which may be able to help My Living Well Online Support (opens a new window)

Online support for you

Talk to Frank

Frank offers free, friendly practical confidential advice around drugs. Their online 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 you can learn about people’s experiences.

Visit the Frank website to find out more (Opens in a new window)

You can contact Frank by –

  • using the online chat (between 2pm and 6pm every day of the week)
  • telephone: 03001 236 600 (24 hours a day 365 days a year)
  • text: 82111
  • Frank’s online contact form (Opens in a new window)

 

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