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Support over the holidays

Helplines

If you’re struggling over the festive season, help is available. These helplines are open on Christmas Day and New Year's Day if you need support:

Relapse advice

We understand that many people find this time of year difficult and emotional.
 
If you’re worried about relapsing, there are a few things you can do to take care of yourself. Spend time with people who support you. Try to avoid triggers. Make use of the support available. Keep yourself busy. Make a list of things you’ve gained because of your recovery.
 
Read more about preventing relapse and what to do if you have one here.

Alcohol advice

Drug advice

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Your wellbeing

If you're feeling low or run-down, the Five Ways to Wellbeing are simple steps for improving your mental and physical health and wellbeing. Some things might seem obvious, but it works and lots of our staff swear by it.

  1. Connect: Spend time with people who make you feel good.
  2. Be active: Exercise - even a short walk - can help you feel better.
  3. Keep learning: Learning something new can be a good way to take your mind off negative thoughts.
  4. Give to others: Doing something nice for someone else can make you feel good, too
  5. Be mindful: Try to be present in the moment and focus on what's happening around you right now.

Read more about the Five Ways to Wellbeing and find self-care tips here.

Service information

If you need support, you can search for your closest Change Grow Live service below. Our services are free and confidential and everyone is welcome.

If you're already using one of our services, you can search for their contact information to find out things like opening hours over the festive period and information about prescriptions.

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Prescription checklist

Have you sorted your prescription for the festive season? No worries if not - we've got a checklist to help you out:

  • Check your pharmacy's opening times.
  • Find out in advance how and when you'll be getting your prescription.
  • Speak to your worker to prepare a holiday prescription if you're going away.
  • If you haven't already got one, get a safe storage box for your medication. This is particularly important if you're expecting visits from guests.
  • Collect a naloxone kit from your service. It could save a life.

Useful websites and apps

Resource Type (field_resource_type)
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al anon website preview

Al-Anon

Support groups for anyone who is affected by a friend or family member's drinking.
Visit the site
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aa website preview

Alcoholics Anonymous

Regular support groups all over the country who come together with two aims: to stay sober, and to help others seeking help to stop drinking.
Visit the site
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breaking free online preview

Breaking Free Online

Free, online treatment and recovery program for anyone who would like support with their alcohol or drug use. Speak to a member of staff or volunteer at your local service to get access.
Visit the site
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play
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aa 12 steps app screenshot in a phone

AA 12-steps app

Recovery tools, prayers, readings and sobriety tracking for your 12-step AA journey.
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play
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smart recovery website preview

SMART Recovery

SMART Recovery helps people decide whether they have a problem with alcohol or drugs, builds up motivation to change and offers proven tools and techniques to support recovery.
Visit the site
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happify app screenshot in a phone

Happify app

Activities and games to help reduce stress and improve your mental health.
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play
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sam app screenshot in a phone

SAM app

Understand and manage your anxiety with self-help exercises.
Visit the site
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play
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narcotics anonymous preview

Narcotics Anonymous

A network of mutual aid groups across the country for people who are looking for support to be - and stay - drug-free.
Visit the site
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NA meeting search app screenshot in a phone

NA Meeting search app

Find your nearest Narcotics Anonymous meeting, anywhere around the world.
Download the app from
  • Download from the app store
  • Download from google play