If you’ve been misusing drugs or alcohol, seeking support is an important step toward taking care of yourself, and there’s no shame in asking for help. Support is available to help you find safe and manageable ways to reduce risks and make healthier choices. Remember, there’s no stigma in asking for support – it's an important step towards feeling happier and healthier.
Report
It’s your choice. It's completely up to you whether or not to report what's happened. No-one else can or should make that choice for you.
- Report to the University and get Support. Students and staff can report an incident or concern using the University’s Report and Support system. You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an adviser. If you choose to talk to an adviser they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.
University Support
For Students
- Student Life Adviser. An adviser can talk throughwhat support is available in confidence.
- Residential Life Team. Whether it is your neighbourhood Student Services Resident (SSR) or the Duty SSR, if you are living in UEA residences there is someone to talk to.
- The uea(su) Advice Service is a free, confidential service. Advisers can support students who have been named in a disciplinary report for breach of the General Regulations for Students, and can talk through the procedure, what options are available and help you complain if you are unhappy with the process.
- Exceptional circumstances. If you feel your studies have been affected by what has happened you can consider applying for exceptional circumstances.
For Staff
- Human Resource Adviser. An adviser can talk through the options available whether the incident involved another staff member at UEA, a student, or a visitor to campus.
- Employee Assistance Programme. This free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year service is available to all UEA staff. The programme offers confidential support independent from UEA, with professional consultation, counselling, information, resources and referrals to services in your local area.
- External Support
- Speak to a friend. Talking things through with someone you trust can sometimes help.
- CGL (Change Grow Live) is a local drug and alcohol behaviour change service. They offer tailored drug and alcohol support to fit individual needs, working with students to help them break harmful patterns of behaviour related to drug and alcohol use. CGL offer an assessment service on campus through Student Services. If you would like to meet with the CGL Young Adults Recovery Coordinator to talk about drug and alcohol use for yourself or someone you care about, you can complete the Online Referral Form or contact your Faculty-embedded Wellbeing Team.
- The Matthew Project provide support within the East of England, empowering people to overcome issues with drugs, alcohol, and their mental health. Young adults (up to 24 years old) can access support if they are affected by a family members drug or alcohol use, or they are worried that their own drug or alcohol use is having an impact on them or others. The Matthew Project also offer Norwich-based recovery support for adults (over the age of 24) affected by substance misuse – you can find more information here.
- Alcoholics Anonymous is a peer-led fellowship. The organisation host regular group meetings in local communities to support alcohol addiction recovery and sobriety. Use the AA search tool to find an in-person meeting in your local area or online.
- Drinkchat is a free online chat service for anyone seeking advice about their own, or someone else’s, drinking. Drinkline is a free, confidential helpline for anyone who is concerned about their drinking, or someone else's. Call the number 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm, weekends 11am–4pm) for support
- Frank provide honest information about drugs, practical advice and signposts to support. Find drug and alcohol support near you.