Addiction
Al-Anon Family Groups – Bristol
Al-Anon Family Groups provide support to anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else’s drinking, regardless of whether that person is still drinking or a part of their lives. Alateen meetings are specifically for those age 12-17 who have been affected by someone else’s drinking. A free helpline is also available.
Al-Anon Family Groups – Bristol website
Alcoholics Anonymous – AA
Alcoholics Anonymous provide a safe space for individuals to discuss their personal experiences with alcohol with the overall aim of overcoming alcohol addiction. Meetings are open to people in any stage of recovery.
Both open and closed meetings are available throughout Bristol and the surrounding areas, face-to-face and online. National helpline also available.
Alcoholics Anonymous – AA website
Bristol and District Tranquilliser Project (No Panic)
Bristol and District Tranquilliser Project (BTP) offer support to anyone who is taking, considering taking, or has recently withdrawn from prescribed psychotropic medications.
BTP have a range of resources on their website and offer direct support by telephone.
Bristol and District Tranquilliser Project (No Panic) website
Bristol Drugs Project
Bristol Drugs Project provide free and confidential support to people who are looking for help with their own alcohol and drug use, and the people who care for and about them. Services include support groups, drop-ins, harm reduction, and a dedicated helpline. Specific and targeted support is available for children and young people, students, older people, women, and the LGBTQIA+ community. A specific service is available for recent drug and alcohol-related bereavements.
Bristol ROADS – Recovery Orientated Alcohol & Drugs Service
Bristol ROADS (Recovery Orientated Alcohol & Drugs Service) is Bristol’s service for people seeking help with drug or alcohol problems. The service operates three community recovery hubs in North, Central, and South Bristol, as well as a range of treatment options.
Bristol ROADS – Recovery Orientated Alcohol & Drugs Service website
Cocaine Anonymous (West Country)
Cocaine Anonymous West Country welcomes anyone with a drug or alcohol problem, using the twelve-step recovery program to support people to stop using mind-altering substances.
Cocaine Anonymous (West Country) website
Hawkspring
Hawkspring works to support people who have been negatively affected by drug and/or alcohol abuse. Their holistic approach works to support recovery, and carers, family, and children affected by someone else’s drug/alcohol use.
Nacoa
Nacoa provide information, support, and advice for people of all ages affected by a parent’s drinking. Support is provided online and through a free helpline.
Narcotics Anonymous (Bristol groups)
Narcotics Anonymous is a community of people who support each other to achieve and maintain a drug free life. Support is offered through support group meetings and a helpline.
Narcotics Anonymous (Bristol groups) website
SMART Recovery
SMART Recovery promote choice in recovery from addiction through a national network of mutual aid support meetings.
Southmead Project
The Southmead Project provides free counselling and support for survivors of abuse and addiction across Bristol and surrounding areas.
The Swan Project
The Swan Project offer low-cost counselling to adults, primarily those suffering from addiction.
Ara Gambling Service
Ara Gambling Service provides 1:1 counselling for people experiencing problems with their own gambling or that of a family member. This service is available for people aged 18+ living in Bristol, Wales and South West England.
Ara Recovery For All
Ara is a major provider of supported housing services in Bristol as a partner in the Recovery Orientated Alcohol and Drugs Service (ROADS), and has an extensive and expanding service providing counselling and support for problem gamblers.
Gamblers Anonymous
Gamblers Anonymous provide support groups to help people overcome problem gambling.
GamCare
GamCare is the leading UK provider of free information, advice and support for anyone harmed by gambling. They provide both telephone and online support.
South West NHS Gambling Service
The service, introduced last year, covers South West England (Bristol, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, Dorset, Devon, and Cornwall) and compliments existing NHS clinics covering the rest of the UK. The SW Gambling Service is led by AWP NHS Trust, and comprises of a partnership of 6 organisations, providing a comprehensive treatment pathway for people who are experiencing harm from gambling. What sets us apart is that the service is fully funded by NHS England, unlike some existing 3rd sector services on offer that are funded directly by the gambling industry. People can self-refer to our service, with the only stipulation being that individuals have to be registered with a GP in the South West.
Who Are they?
The South West Gambling Service is a new service funded by NHS England, comprising of therapists, assistant therapists and operational staff. The service is led by AWP NHS Trust and provides a comprehensive treatment pathway for people, carers and families who are experiencing harm from gambling.
We have a ‘Single point of contact’ for anyone who wants help with their gambling. Individuals, Carers, or family members effected by gambling can self-refer to our service.
You can contact us by phoning this number: 0330 022 3175
Why is the service needed?
Research shows us that approximately 2.8 million people in the South West region gamble (59%).
The data also tells us that about 11% of the population of SW England experience some harm from gambling.
1 in 4 gamblers are at substantially higher risk of suffering serious harm.
Gamblers who report high-risk gambling behaviours are at increased risk of suicidality (The Lancet, 2021)
A Swedish study found that people with gambling disorder are 15 times more likely to take their lives (Karlsson & Hakansson, 2018)