If you think someone you know is struggling wih their alcohol or drug use there are lots of ways in which you can help them.
Listen and Believe
- Listen. If someone discloses an experience or concerns about their drug or alcohol use, listening to what they tell with no judgment, compassion and empathy can be incredibly helpful. Just taking the time to listen to someone and talk about what has happened can help.
- Believe. Rather than asking a lot of questions, just let them know that you will support them as best as you can. Try not to skip ahead to what to do practically without first validating what you have heard and listening to what they have to say.
- Reassure. Remind them that it is not their fault and that there is support available.
- Give Options. You can simply ask them what they need or want. They might not make the same decision you would; however, only they can decide what is best for them. You can help them explore options but avoid telling them what they should do.
Signpost to University Support
There is lots of specialist support available within the University that your friend or loved one can access for
- Student Life Adviser. An adviser can talk through what support is available to your loved one 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 yourstudies have been affected by what has happened, they can consider applying for exceptional circumstances.
Signpost to Specialist Services
- 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.