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Support for alcohol, drugs, unwanted or addictive behaviours

UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services offer support for students who are experiencing problems with alcohol, substances, 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

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


Types of substance misuse and addictive behaviours

Alcohol misuse, abuse or addiction

Learn the definitions of alcoholism and the range of external resources available to you.

Substance misuse, abuse or drug addiction

Learn the definitions of substance use disorder and the range of external resources available to you.

Smoking and vaping addiction

Learn the definitions of smoking addiction and the range of external resources available to you.

Problem gambling, gambling disorder and addiction

Learn the definitions of gambling disorder and the range of external resources available to you.

Eating disorders

Learn the definitions of eating disorders and the range of external resources available to you.

Gaming disorder and video game addiction

Learn the definitions of gaming disorder and the range of external resources available to you.

Internet addiction disorder and social media addiction

Learn the definitions of internet addiction disorder and the range of external resources available to you.

Compulsive sexual behaviours and sex addiction

Learn the definitions of compulsive sexual behaviour disorder and the range of external resources available to you.

Pornography addiction

Learn the definitions of pornography addiction and the range of external resources available to you.

Shopping addiction and compulsive shopping

Learn the definitions of shopping addiction and the range of external resources available to you.

Crisis support

Student Support and Wellbeing Services do not offer emergency support. If you're in immediate danger of hurting yourself or others:

  • Go directly to the Accident and Emergency (A&E) department of your local hospital.
  • Call 999 to request an ambulance if you are unable to reach the hospital yourself.

If you're feeling distressed and need urgent support:

  • Contact your GP surgery to request an emergency appointment. If your GP surgery isn't open, call 111 for free out-of-hours NHS medical support.
  • You can call the Samaritans on 116 123 to talk to someone at any time, day or night.
  • Nightline are a listening service for students, by students. They're available overnight for online chat and calls from 6pm-8am.