Free help with alcohol, drugs and gambling
If you’re worried about your own drinking, drug use or gambling, or someone else’s, you can get free, confidential help across the UK. Here’s where to start.
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Please don’t stop suddenly without advice. If you drink heavily every day or are dependent on some drugs, such as opioids or benzodiazepines, stopping all at once can be dangerous. Speak to a GP or your local drug and alcohol service first. Call 999 for hallucinations, seizures, severe shaking, or if someone is unconscious or has taken too much.
Where to start
A GP is a good first step and can refer you to your local service. In most areas you can also contact your local drug and alcohol service yourself, without a referral. Treatment is free on the NHS. See the NHS guides to alcohol support, getting help for drugs and help for gambling.
Alcohol
- Drinkline
The national alcohol helpline, free and confidential, for your own or someone else’s drinking. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
- Alcoholics Anonymous (Great Britain)
Free peer support meetings, in person and online. Free helpline 0800 917 7650.
- Al-Anon Family Groups UK and Eire
Support for anyone affected by someone else’s drinking. Free helpline 0800 0086 811.
- Nacoa
For children of alcohol-dependent parents, and anyone worried about them. Free helpline 0800 358 3456.
Drugs
- Talk to FRANK
Honest, confidential information about drugs, and help to find support near you. Call 0300 123 6600 (24 hours; standard call rates) or text 82111.
- Narcotics Anonymous UK
Free peer support meetings for people with a drug problem.
Drugs and alcohol
- We Are With You
A UK charity offering free, confidential support with drugs, alcohol and mental health, including online chat.
- SMART Recovery UK
Free self-help meetings, in person and online, based on practical tools.
- Adfam
A national charity for families affected by drugs and alcohol, with a list of local family support.
Gambling
- National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare)
Free information, support and counselling, 24 hours a day. Call 0808 8020 133.
- NHS gambling treatment clinics
Specialist NHS clinics in England. You can refer yourself. The National Gambling Clinic in London sees adults in Greater London and 13 to 18-year-olds from anywhere in England; other regional NHS clinics cover the rest of England.
- National Gambling Clinic (CNWL NHS)
Self-referral form online, plus support for family and friends. Call 020 7381 7722.
- Gamblers Anonymous UK
Free local peer support meetings.
- GAMSTOP
Free self-exclusion from UK-licensed gambling websites and apps for 6 months, 1 year or 5 years.
If it’s someone you love
You can get support in your own right, whether or not they’re ready to change. Adfam, Al-Anon and the NHS gambling clinics all support family and friends. Our guide for carers may help too.
Talking therapy alongside treatment
Some people also see a counsellor, psychotherapist or psychologist, during or after treatment. If you look for one on Find, ask whether they have experience with addiction and how they work with local services. Your local drug and alcohol service is usually the right first stop.
Numbers and opening hours checked on each organisation’s own website or the NHS website on 13 October 2026. Services can change, so please check before you call.
Call 999 or go to A&E if life is at risk. For urgent help that is not an emergency, call NHS 111. To talk, ring Samaritans free on 116 123 (24 hours). To text, message SHOUT to 85258.
Last reviewed 13 October 2026. General information only, written for the UK. Not affiliated with the NHS, the Health and Care Professions Council or any professional body.