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Getting help with drug or alcohol problems

Your doctor can help you to get advice and a referral to services for help with an alcohol or drug addiction problem.

Help in an emergency - alcohol

Alcohol is a drug and has strong effects. If you notice someone who has drunk alcohol and is behaving in a way that makes you anxious about their safety or the safety of those around them, or who has become really ill from drinking alcohol, take the following steps:

  • tell the person you're concerned about them and their safety
  • phone 999 and ask for an ambulance or assistance from the police
  • make sure the person's airways aren't blocked, for example by vomit, and check they haven't swallowed their tongue
  • don't let the person fall asleep without someone watching them
  • don't let the person leave, or walk alone
  • never let the person drive - take their car keys if possible
  • get assistance from the police or paramedics as quickly as you can

Help in an emergency - drugs

Look out for danger signs in yourself or other people who have taken drugs, like:

  • overheating
  • dizziness
  • sickness
  • sudden tiredness
  • headaches
  • cramps and aching arms and legs

People on drugs showing these symptoms or looking distressed could have had an allergic reaction to the drug they have taken, or may have overdosed. It's important to take the following steps immediately:

  • get help immediately, being totally honest about any drugs they've taken
  • phone 999 and ask for an ambulance
  • clearly and calmly say where the patient is, what drugs they've taken and what their symptoms are
  • you may be instructed to give mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, put the patient into the recovery position or do something else to save the person's life
  • make sure the person's airways aren't blocked, for example by vomit, and check they haven't swallowed their tongue
  • collect evidence of any drugs that might've been taken - this is vital for doctors so they know the best treatment to give
  • collect containers that drugs were kept in, including wrappers, packets, cling film, tin foil and syringes and get a small sample of the vomit if the person was sick
  • stay until the ambulance arrives

Getting help locally

There are local dedicated drug and alcohol support teams available across Northern Ireland. These services provide help and support for those who want to tackle their drugs and alcohol misuse.

Treatment is given to those who most need it first. In addition, specialist social workers work with people vulnerable to drugs and alcohol misuse, like people who are homeless.

Carers, friends and relatives may also be able to get support and advice.

The services available in your area can be viewed online at the following link:

The National Drugs Helpline is: 0800 776 600. It's a free and confidential telephone helpline, which gives information about drugs and drug abuse. It's open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Drinkline, the National Alcohol Helpline, is on 0800 917 8282. It offers confidential information, help and advice. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.