You chose
I need someone to talk to
Sometimes what helps most is simply being heard by someone who won't judge. You deserve that support.
Understanding what's happening
Addiction & Us does not run a helpline, but there are trusted organisations in the UK who do. Some offer emotional support for anything you're feeling. Others specialise in supporting families affected by drinking or drug use.
Things to consider
- If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999.
- For urgent medical advice, call NHS 111.
- Specialist family groups offer ongoing connection with people who understand.
Possible next steps
- Choose a service from the list below that suits how you'd like to talk.
- Note the opening hours so you know when to call.
- It's okay if the first conversation feels hard. You can stop at any time.
Trusted UK support
Samaritans
Details checked Oct 2026Confidential emotional support for anyone who is struggling to cope, including people worried about someone else. You don't have to be suicidal to call.
- Who they help:
- Anyone
- Type of support:
- Helpline
- Coverage:
- UK-wide
- Availability:
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Shout
Details checked Oct 2026A free, confidential text support service for anyone in the UK who is struggling to cope.
- Who they help:
- Anyone
- Type of support:
- Text or chat
- Coverage:
- UK-wide
- Availability:
- 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire
Details checked Oct 2026Support groups for anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking. Meetings are held in person and online, and there is a confidential helpline.
- Who they help:
- Families, Partners, Parents, Friends
- Type of support:
- Support groups, Helpline
- Coverage:
- UK and Republic of Ireland
- Availability:
- Helpline 10am to 10pm, every day of the year. The helpline cannot return calls, so please don't leave a message.
Families Anonymous
Details checked Oct 2026Self-help groups for families and friends of people who use drugs or have related behavioural problems. Meetings run in person and online.
- Who they help:
- Families, Parents, Partners, Friends
- Type of support:
- Support groups, Helpline
- Coverage:
- UK-wide
- Availability:
- Helpline staffed daily, 1pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm
FRANK
Details checked Oct 2026Honest, confidential information and advice about drugs and alcohol, for people who use them and for anyone worried about someone else.
- Who they help:
- Anyone
- Type of support:
- Helpline, Text or chat, Information
- Coverage:
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Availability:
- Phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Drinkline
Details checked Oct 2026A free, confidential helpline for anyone worried about their own drinking or someone else's.
- Who they help:
- Anyone
- Type of support:
- Helpline
- Coverage:
- England
- Availability:
- Weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm
Finding further human support
In future, we hope to offer trained peer-support conversations. These will only launch once trained staff, safeguarding policies and supervision are in place.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999. Addiction & Us is not an emergency service.