How to access services and support

Experimenting with drugs and excessive drinking may seem socially acceptable, but this kind ofÌýlifestyle can quickly become problematic. Other people may be dealing with complex personal issues as well as their studies and turn to alcohol or drugs to help them cope. If you, or someone you know,Ìýare becoming dependant on alcohol or drugs, you can reach out for help and advice using the information below:

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More information

It’s important to recognise that not every person fits into one pattern of symptoms.ÌýPeople are impacted in a variety of ways.ÌýThe earlier the problem is addressed, the less likely that drugsÌýorÌýalcoholÌýwill cause serious consequences for you, some of which canÌýinclude:Ìý

  • Loss of concentration –Ìýyou are more likely to miss classes, submit work late and achieve poor results for coursework and exams
  • Risk of dependence or addictionÌý
  • Increased vulnerability and loss of control –ÌýyouÌýare more likely to be a victim of violence and sexual assault and have unprotected sex whichÌýcan lead toÌýsexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unplanned pregnancyÌý
  • Changes in weight and overall worsening of health in the short term. In the long term, risk of liver disease, heart attack and various cancersÌý
  • Increased anxiety and depression and, in extreme cases, drug-induced psychosis.

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How you can be affected by...

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Support from ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥

The Achieve@ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ teamÌýcan be your first point of contact. TheyÌýofferÌýconfidential discussionsÌýand can signpostÌýyouÌýto the services that willÌýmostÌýbenefit you.ÌýÌý

SupportÌýisÌýavailable on campusÌýfrom Student Wellbeing, which offers free confidential support,Ìýcounselling, practical advice around your wellbeing and information aboutÌýdrug and alcohol services that can be accessed in the community. You can also talk to Faith & Reflection, the  or your own GP.Ìý

TheÌýUniversity RetreatÌýprovides a safe space if you feel that you are struggling to cope and need help. You don't need an appointment; just pop in and talk to one of our friendly team, it's open from Monday to Saturday, 2pm - 9pm.Ìý

If you're in ÂãÁÄÖ±²¥ accommodation,ÌýourÌýResLifeÂãÁÄÖ±²¥Ìýteam are there to support your wellbeing and run regular alcohol-free events.ÌýIf you wish to improve yourÌýlifestyle, ourÌýSportÂãÁÄÖ±²¥Ìýfacilities includeÌýa gym, fitness classes andÌýa variety of sporting activities. Discover new social groups through theÌýmanyÌýÌýrun by the Students’ Union.Ìý

If alcohol or drug issues are starting to affect your academic work,Ìýyou can talk to your Personal Tutor,ÌýProgramme Leader (PL) or Programme Support Officer (PSO). Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to an extension or postponement. Find out more about .Ìý

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External support

If you want to go elsewhere for support,Ìýhave a look atÌýthe  page for details of local and national services that provide education, counselling and one-to-one support.Ìý

Ìýis a charity providing free, confidential support to people experiencing issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health.ÌýÌýcan support with lifestyle changes including reducing alcohol use and andÌýsmoking.Ìý

, andÌýÌýhave lots of useful information on their websites and you can also contact theirÌýhelplines if youÌýor someone you know has beenÌýaffected by substance misuse. They can help signpost you to the most effective treatments,ÌýincludingÌýalcohol rehab, drug rehab, detox services, intervention, aftercare and outpatient counselling.

Urgent support

  • If you needÌýurgent medical help, callÌýNHS 111
  • If you needÌýimmediate medical helpÌýor attention, callÌý999ÌýorÌý01202 962222Ìýif you’re on campus.