Alcohol and drugs
Whether you are seeking information for yourself, or you are worried about someone else, we can help you to find information and people to talk to.
Stay informed and stay safe
Here you will find information on what Alcohol and Drugs are, their effects and the risks.
Alcohol
Information on alcohol
Things you may not know about alcohol e.g. What is a unit? Does alcohol help with sleep? What affect does alcohol have on anxiety?
Try the Alcohol Audit quiz
Discover what your alcohol use means for you with this quick and confidential online quiz from Turning Point
Feeling peer/social pressure to drink or drink more?
Peer pressure may be feeling you should say yes to a drink to be polite or to join in; or a gentle 'go on, have one more' from a friend. Here is some information on what peer pressure is, and how to deal with it.
Drugs
A to Z Drugs Information
Information from Frank, including: what drugs look like, how they're taken, effects, risks and what happens if they are mixed with other substances.
Try the Drug Audit quiz
Discover what your drug use means for you with this quick and confidential audit of drug use from Cranstoun
Feeling peer/social pressure to use drugs?
Peer pressure can be worry about being left out or seen as boring by friends, or being offered drugs by a friend while you're out. Here is some information about peer pressure and how to deal with it.
Drink Spiking
Spiking is where someone adds alcohol or another substance to a drink without consent. This is a crime. Spiking with the intention of making someone more vulnerable to assault, rape or robbery is an even more serious criminal offence. Click for more information and advice on what to do if you believe someone has been spiked.
When to seek help for yourself
There are many reasons problems with alcohol or drugs develop. It can become a way people cope with challenges such as difficult emotions, traumatic events, social anxiety and health conditions.
Seeking support early when we face difficulty can help prevent problems developing. Talking to someone can help.
Alcohol
It could be time to seek help if:
- your alcohol use is causing problems for you
- you often feel the need to have a drink
- you rely on alcohol to socialise or manage stress
- you find it hard to stop drinking once you’ve started
- you get into trouble because of your drinking
- other people comment on how much you’re drinking
Drugs
It could be time to seek help if:
- you find drug use is causing problems for you
- you often feel the need to use drugs
- you use drugs to socialise or manage stress/work
- you use drugs to affect weight or sports performance
- you get into trouble because of your drug use
- other people express concern about your drug use
Who to contact for support
Your Doctor
Visiting a General Practitioner (GP) is the best place to start.
- Appointments are confidential.
- Most surgeries offer in-person, telephone and online consultations.
- The GP can listen, talk about your options and support you to access any treatment.
- They can help refer you on to a specialist support or treatment service if that is needed.
Dr Leaver & Partners, Jericho Health Centre, New Radcliffe House, Walton Street. (T) 01865 311234 Email: jerichohc.prescriptions@nhs.net
Turning Point – Roads to Recovery Oxfordshire
- Free, confidential, non-judgemental drug and alcohol treatment service in Oxford.
- Offers a variety of options to find the right treatment to make positive changes.
- A GP may refer to this service for specialist support or treatment.
Oxford Roads to Recovery: Oxford Hub, Rectory Road, Oxford, Oxfordshire OX4 1BU Monday-Friday 09:00 – 17:00 (T) 01865 261690
Organisations offering information and support
Information and support about alcohol and for anyone with a drinking problem.
Drinkchat Trained advisors to support you with confidential advice about alcohol. Web chat between 9am-2pm on weekdays.
Drinkline Free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else’s. (T) 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm)
Free and confidential advice about drugs and drug-use including what treatment is like, and where to get support.
(T) 0300 1236600
Text 82111
Confidential email
Oxfordshire drug and alcohol treatment service promoting wellbeing and recovery when you’re ready to take those steps. Free, confidential information, advice and support with drugs and alcohol.
Oxford Roads to Recovery
Oxford Hub, Rectory Road, Oxford, OX4 1BU
(T) 01865 261690
Monday-Friday 09:00 – 17:00
Open late Tuesdays
Open Saturday 10am-midday
Free, confidential support for addiction.
SMART Recovery helps participants decide whether they have a problem, builds up their motivation to change and offers a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery.
People seeking recovery are empowered to choose what works best for them from a ‘tool box’ of methods available online, in handbook manuals or through online or in-person meetings available in the UK and internationally.
College Support
For any welfare, mental health or wellbeing difficulties, you can speak to a member of the College Welfare Team
College Nurse
For mental health concerns including sleep disturbance, eating disturbance, anxiety and panic attacks, low mood, depression, suicidal thoughts.
Dean of Welfare
For any welfare concern for yourself or another student, unsure where to access support, family issues including estrangement and concern around returning home for vacation, or if you’re feeling overwhelmed.
Support With Mental Health
Drug and Alcohol issues can arise when our mental health is compromised. Seeking support for low mood, anxiety, bereavement or trauma can help prevent problems worsening. You can find more information about accessing support on our mental health support pages.
Worried about someone else?
If you are worried about a friend or relative’s use of drugs or alcohol it can be stressful, hard to know how to help or what to say.
Talking to someone can help. You can speak to a member of the College Welfare Team or there are organisations offering information and support:
The Service offers free and confidential advice about drugs and drug use including sources of support. You can contact Frank for advice if you are worried about someone you know.
(T) 0300 1236600
Text 82111
Confidential email
Tips on supporting someone with drug and alcohol problems.
Free, confidential support for friends and family of someone with an addiction.