Drug Support
Whether you’re seeking advice about occasional drug use, dealing with dependency, or worried about someone you care about, you are not alone.
Remember, help is available, and we’re here for you.
Drug Services:
Our drug services, provided by Cranstoun and DECCA, are free, confidential, and non-judgmental. They offer a range of services to assist you:
- Advice and Information
- Overdose prevention and naloxone
- One-to-one sessions or groupwork
- Support with accessing other services: housing, employment, benefits advice and health services
- Access to recovery opportunities in the community
- Access to substitute prescribed medication
- Needle exchange
- Access to peer support and mutual aid
- Support for families and carers support
How to access support:
Cranstoun (Aged 18 and over)
DECCA (Aged under 18)
Your GP
Your GP can provide advice and guide you to available support.
Talk to Healthy Sandwell
Reach out to our team for personalised guidance and local service information.
Narcotics Anonymous
Find support through mutual aid at Narcotics Anonymous.
Talk to Frank
Explore information about drugs and their effects.
If you’re concerned about a friend or family member’s drug or drug use, you’re not alone. Remember, expressing your concern comes from a place of care and understanding.
How to talk about drugs
Prepare for the conversation:
- Choose an appropriate time and place. Avoid times when they will be using drugs and make sure you have a private space to talk.
Start the conversation:
Use “I” statements to express your worries and feelings.
- “I’m concerned and we miss our family time together.”
- “I’ve noticed you don’t seem like yourself, and I’m worried about you.”
Ask Open-Ended Questions:
- “How do you feel about drugs?”
- “What are some positives and negatives you see in using drugs?”
Listen:
- Allow them to express themselves without judgment. Be attentive to underlying issues such as depression or trauma.
Be Paitent:
- Recognise that discussions on this topic may evoke defensiveness. Assure them of your support and give them time to process the conversation.
Get Help:
- Suggest seeking professional help. Ask, “Do we need to get some help with this?”
Taking Care of Yourself
Adfam: A national charity dedicated to improving the lives of families affected by drugs and alcohol.
Cranstoun: Offers advice and support to adults affected by someone else’s alcohol use.
Taking drugs can pose serious health risks, and understanding the potential dangers is crucial. For more information on the risks associated with drug use, please visit Talk to Frank.
If you or someone you know starts to feel unwell after taking drugs, call 111. In the event of unconsciousness, call 999 for an ambulance immediately.
Spotting an Opiate Overdose:
Opiate overdoses, especially with substances like heroin, are a significant short-term risk. If someone has overdosed, they may have the following symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness and unresponsiveness
- Choking, gurgling, or snoring sounds
- Slow, weak, or no breathing
- Difficulty walking, talking, or staying awake
If you suspect an opiate overdose, call 999 immediately. The call handler will guide you through what to do until help arrives. Naloxone is a medicine that temporarily reverses an opiate overdose. Anyone can use naloxone to save a life.
Naloxone Kits
Cranstoun provides naloxone kits and training. To request a kit, contact Cranstoun here.
Buddy Up Scheme
For individuals using drugs alone, the Buddy Up scheme offers support. By downloading the app, users can connect with a Cranstoun volunteer to create a rescue plan in case of an emergency. It’s free, confidential, and a valuable resource for harm reduction. Learn more about the Buddy Up scheme here.