Individuals use substances for several reasons, and not all individuals who drink or use drugs go on to develop dependency problems. Dependency and Addiction are complex health disorders with social causes and consequences. For a significant number of people, drug and alcohol consumption is a major cause of ill health or premature mortality. Links have been evidenced with deprivation, family breakdown, offending, exploitation, and neglect. The overall harm caused by problematic drug and alcohol use impacts individuals, families, and communities across Buckinghamshire.
If you or someone you know are experiencing harmful or problematic substance use, for advice, information and or support.
Please contact:
One Recovery Bucks (18 and over)
The support is free, confidential and non-judgemental.
Phone: 0300 7729 672
Email: orb@mpft.nhs.uk
Website: https://onerecoverybucks.org/
Here4YOUth (under 18)
The support is free, confidential and non-judgemental with age appropriate support.
Phone: 01494 527000
Email: here4youthbucks@cranstoun.org.uk
Website: https://cranstoun.org/help-and-advice/young-people/
Referral form: https://cranstoun.org/help-and-advice/young-people/referral-form/
Families and Carers impacted by a loved one’s use of Substances
The support is free, confidential and non-judgemental.
Phone: 0300 7729 672
Email: orb@mpft.nhs.uk
Website: https://onerecoverybucks.org/family-carers/
Be Healthy Bucks
Healthier Lifestyles including support for cutting down on alcohol. Find out more here.
Reducing your alcohol intake will not only reduce your risk of long-term health conditions but you may notice other short term benefits such as:
- feeling better in the mornings
- being less tired and more energetic
- better-looking skin
- saving some money
In Buckinghamshire, 1 in 4 adults drink above the government guidelines for low risk alcohol consumption.
The type of illnesses you can develop after 10 to 20 years of regularly drinking more than 14 units a week include:
- mouth cancer, throat cancer and breast cancer
- stroke
- heart disease
- liver disease
- brain damage
- damage to the nervous system
There's also evidence that regular drinking at high-risk levels can make your mental health worse.
Research has found strong links between alcohol misuse and self-harming, including suicide.
The effects of alcohol on your health will depend on how much you drink. The less you drink, the lower the health risks.
The guidelines for both Women and Men are the same. Both should not regularly exceed 14 units per week, spread across the week and with at least 2 alcohol-free days per week.
To keep track of your drinks and find out if you’re drinking too much, visit Alcohol Change.
You can also visit Better Health - One You for tips on cutting down.
- Try using the Drink Free Days app on your iPhone to keep track of how much you are drinking, you may be surprised!
- Don’t drink on an empty stomach
- Avoid stocking up when you do your shopping
- Buy a drink measure
- Set yourself a budget for alcohol
- Be more aware of your alcohol in- take
For more information on alcohol, tips for cutting down and other information please click here.
