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Support for alcohol, drugs, unwanted or addictive behaviours
UCL Harm Reduction Policy
The UCL Harm Strategy and Action Plan is being developed to keep our students safe and reduce the harms associated with alcohol, drugs, unwanted or addictive behaviours.
Whilst we do not condone nor normalise the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs, we understand that dependency and addiction is a complex health and social issue. This approach enables us to give you the resources, knowledge and support you need to stay informed and access relevant services.
Support from UCL
UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services (SSWS) can direct you to appropriate support both within and outside of UCL. The support we provide is free and available to any student enrolled at UCL
- For telephone support, you can call the Student Support and Wellbeing Services Phone Line on +44 (0)20 3108 8836 during office hours to discuss the options available to you or the UCL 24/7 Support Line on +44 (0) 808 238 0077 (00 353 1 518 0277 from outside the UK), to talk to someone about how you are feeling.
- If you would like to access some confidential support from the Disability and Neurodiversity or Mental Health and Wellbeing Team, you can book an appointment via askUCL. You can watch this step-by-step guide to booking an appointment with an adviser.
- UCL's Counselling Services offer up to six sessions of free therapy, you should register for this via their website.
- The CUBE Clinic
We are partnered with the NHS Changing Unwanted BEhaviours (CUBE) Clinic, a team of clinical experts and trained student representatives offering treatment for students with problems related to use of alcohol, drugs and other addictive behaviours. You can self-refer to the CUBE Clinic, or a Student Support and Wellbeing Services team member can support you to make a referral. The clinic offers:
- Support to any UCL student with problems relating to alcohol, drugs, unwanted or addictive behaviours.
- An initial assessment.
- A maximum of eight sessions of psychological therapy for short-term evidenced based psychological support.
- Signposting to further support should you require it and assisting you to find an appropriate service.
Please note that the CUBE Clinic does not support students who:
- Are struggling with shopping, smoking/vaping addictions or eating disorders.
- Are primarily struggling with heroin or crack cocaine.
- Are currently receiving active treatment from local alcohol, drug and addiction services.
- Are at high risk of harm to themself (including death by suicide).
- Have a significant history of violent behaviour towards others.
- Are suffering from a severe psychiatric illness requiring current inpatient care.
- Students' Union UCL
The Students' Union UCL offers a free and confidential Advice Service located on the 1st Floor of 25 Gordon Street, London. You can speak to an adviser in-person, or via email, telephone and video/voice chat on Microsoft Teams. To book an appointment:
- Speak to a team member at reception from 10:00 and 16:00 every (Monday to Friday).
- Call the team on 020 3549 5232.
- Complete the Advice Service Contact Form.
- Concerns about a student
You may be worried about a student at UCL and their use of alcohol, drugs or engagement with an unwanted or addictive behaviour. If this is the case, please complete a Student of Concern form to inform Student Support and Wellbeing Services. We will always take a supportive, rather than punitive, approach to students seeking help or in need of assistance