This page covers the definitions of substance abuse and addiction, as well as the support and resources available to you.
What is substance use disorder?
Substance misuse, abuse and drug addiction all refer to the harmful consumption of substances and drugs. This includes addiction to both legal prescription drugs and illegal drugs.
Consuming a dosage of substances that damaging your physical and or mental health, but continuing usage despite the consequences, indicates drug dependency.
Unhealthy use can range from mild to severe, both physically and psychologically. The short-term and long-term risks of substance use disorder include, but are not limited to:
- Physical dependency.
- Health conditions such as injuries or infections.
- Psychological dependency.
- Mental health issues.
- Financial issues.
- Increased risk of suicide.
Resources and support
If you are experiencing problems relating to substances or drugs, or know someone who is, please remember that you are not alone. You can access free and confidential support at UCL as a registered student. Our empathetic team can support you to find the best treatment method for your needs.
There are also a number of services and websites that can help you better understand and cope with substance abuse and drug addiction.
- Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
Narcotics Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support drug addiction recovery and sobriety.
Use the NA search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or online.
You can also call their free helpline at 0300 999 1212 or email the support team pi@ukna.org to contact the organisation.
- NHS
You can refer to the NHS page on drug addiction support for comprehensive guidance on support and treatment.
- Change Grow Live
A service local to both the Bloomsbury (Camden) and East (Newham) is Change Grow Live, a charity offering drug and alcohol support. They support residents of the London boroughs of Camden, Newham, Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Islington, Westminster, Lambeth and Croydon, and offer:
- Advice on keeping safe.
- Emotional support and counselling.
- Group work.
- Online courses.
- Medically assisted treatment.
- Peer support.
- Recovery support, including education, training and employment advice and; onward referrals to specialist services.
If you don't feel you are able to contact the service yourself, you can ask an adviser from Student Support and Wellbeing Services or your GP, a relative or friend to refer you.
- FRANK
This website provides honest information about drugs, practical advice and signposts to support. Find drug and alcohol support near you.
- Drugs and Me
Online guides, blogs and digital tools to inform and help people manage drug use.
- Wedinos
Resources for anonymous sample testing and substance information.
- Release
Practical advice on drugs, what they are, harm reduction guidance, reagent testkits, counselling and further support.
You can call the Release Help & Advice line on 020 7324 2989 from 11am-1pm and 2pm-4pm Monday to Friday. A message service is available 24 hours. Release will return your call within one business day.
You can also call Release by email on ask@release.org.uk.
- Re-Solv
A charity dedicated to supporting adults, under 18s and families to overcome gas and solvent abuse.
You can call the Re-Solv support line on 01785 817885.
- Rehab 4 Addiction
Rehab 4 Addiction is an advisory and referral service for people who suffer from alcohol, drug and behavioural addiction.
Rehab 4 Addiction works closely with rehabilitation centres and outpatient clinics throughout the United Kingdom, and the admissions team matches a patients’ addiction with an appropriately placed rehabilitation centre. They offer rehabilitation centres patient referrals and always prioritise the needs of the specific patient when doing so. They maintain a substantial network of rehabilitation centres throughout the United Kingdom, including private rehabilitation centres and the NHS.
You can call Rehab 4 Addiction to make an enquiry on +44 (0)800 140 4690.
- Stamp Out Spiking
Spiking is the covert administration of alcohol and drugs into a person's drink or body without their consent. Spiking can be administered through soft drinks, alcohol, drugs, vape liquid and needles.
Stamp Out Spiking offer immediate support to victims and survivors of spiking. They also offer help to report spiking to the police, and provide prevention resources, spiking information and guidance on legislation.
- UK SMART Recovery
UK SMART Recovery is a charity offering Self-Help Addiction Recovery Programmes for drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, food, shopping, internet and more.
The four-point programme is designed to help participants:
- Build and maintain motivation.
- Cope with urges.
- Manage thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
- Live a balanced life.
You can use the search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or an online meeting.
- Know Drugs App
This app supports outreach workers and people who use drugs, by informing about recent pill warnings, providing information on psychoactive substance and how to reduce their harms.
People who decide to use drugs – despite their risks – are encouraged to research effects, interactions and dosage ranges of psychoactive substances in order to make informed decisions before consuming them.
The app contains factsheets about more than 200 psychoactive substances: Learn about dosages, duration, side-effects and dangerous interactions.
- Drug Science
Learn everything you need to have an informed opinion on drugs, without any prior knowledge. Understand the pharmacology, history, and laws which affect drugs, as well as harm reduction strategies and healthcare approaches which can improve public safety.
- UK and Ireland DrugWatch
UK and Ireland DrugWatch are an informal online information network established by a group of professionals working in the UK and Irish drugs sector. The aim of the group is to raise/establish standards for drug information, alerts and warnings.
Content includes DrugWatch Information sheets and the Drugs Wheel.