Alcohol and drugs

Drugs and alcohol can have a major impact on the health and lives of people who use them, as well as on their family, friends, work colleagues and the community as a whole.

Alcohol causes a range of health issues including seven types of cancer. Any level of regular drinking raises your risk.

Using drugs, such as cannabis, crack, heroin and cocaine is illegal and can also cause serious health and social issues. What's more, anyone selling drugs can receive a criminal record and in some cases a prison sentence. 

Taking prescription-only medication that has not been prescribed for you is also dangerous. Mixing substances (including alcohol) increases the risk of harmful effects even further. 

Harmful drug and alcohol use can cause:

• mental health problems
• long and short term issues with physical health
• financial difficulties 
• friction in all types of relationships

Support and advice

Find national and local support and advice to help you make healthy choices.

More help from your GP

If you have concerns about alcohol or drug use, you can discuss these in detail with your local GP.

They will assess the severity and nature of your problem and either offer you an appropriate treatment directly, or refer you to a specialist service.