We're now half way through Reconnect Week and it's a great time to reflect and connect back to yourself. This blog will talk you through some of the symptoms and support services to do with alcohol and drug use. Even if some of these don't apply to you it's always good to check in with yourself regularly and assess what is/isn't working with your daily habits.
We know being at University is a time many students start to use alcohol and drugs, this can be for many reasons such as curiosity, peer pressure, to reduce social anxiety or to mask their emotions. It's perfectly normal to experiment with these things, however drinking too much alcohol or taking drugs can have a negative effect on your mental and physical health. That's why we have compiled a list of information and services below to keep your alcohol and drug use in check.
Signs you might have a problem with alcohol or drugs as referred too on the NHS website:
You've built up a tolerance to drink or drugs.
You want to stop but can't, it's no longer under your control.
You experience black outs when your drink or use drugs.
You have withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, sweating and restlessness.
If your worried or concerned about your alcohol or drug use it's important to reach out for support, whether that be a trusted friend or family member, a counsellor, a support service or your GP. If you don't have a GP then you can find out how to register for one here.
Below are some services that specialise in alcohol and drug support:
Offer Free confidential alcohol & drug support for people in Leeds. They will support you to help achieve your goals around your alcohol and/or drug issues through a range of treatments. That might be stopping completely or just cutting down. You can set your own goals. They have a helpline 9am-5pm from Monday - Friday: 0113 887 2477 or an online referral system.
Drinkaware is an independent charity which aims to reduce alcohol-related harm by helping people make better choices about their drinking. They offer a variety of online resources on alcohol awareness and also have a drinkchat on their website which allows you to get alcohol advice without having to make a phone call.
Give support around the topic of Drug awareness and honest information around drugs. They have a helpline on: 0300 1236600 and can also direct you to a local support centre if needed.
Will work with you to make changes to help your relationship with alcohol and drugs, whether that's small changes or helping you to completely stop. With You have online support as well as an online chat.
Offer support for family and friends of those effected by of drugs and alcohol. They have remote support service offering support directly to adults affected by a loved one’s drug or alcohol use. These are delivered via video chat or telephone in the comfort of your own home.
They don't offer direct support or treatment but help improve knowledge on drinking behaviours. Alcohol Change UK campaign for appropriate funding, share research about the most effective treatment methods, and work to reduce the stigma surrounding alcohol problems so that more people seek the help they need.
As always if you need some extra support on campus speak to the Student Advice and Wellbeing Team via the Wellbeing portal or email them at: saw@leeds-art.ac.uk .
All their advice is free and confidential.
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