Support
Although Kicking the Habit primarily explores the history of sports sponsorship in the UK, we recognise that people may be impacted by certain themes. The following organisations and websites may be able to offer information, help, and support.
Stoke-on-Trent, UK. Photo: Jason Charters via Unsplash.
Tobacco
In addition to the NHS page linked below, if you are looking to give up smoking, more regional support is listed below:
- If you are based in England, the Better Health service offers access to a personalised quit smoking plan, nicotine replacement therapies and medicines, and expert advice.
- Additionally, there are local Stop Smoking Services which offer one-to-one and group sessions for those looking to quit.
- In Wales, the NHS offers the Help Me Quit service. In Scotland, NHS Inform helps people to access local stop smoking services.
- In Northern Ireland, Stop Smoking NI offers a free Quit Kit to help make your attempt to give up successful.
Alcohol
In addition to the NHS page linked below, the NHS recommends the following contacts for individuals who need support with their drinking, or their families and friends:
- Drinkline is the national alcohol helpline. If you’re worried about your own or someone else’s drinking, you can call this free helpline in complete confidence. Call 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm).
- Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) is a free self-help group. Its “12 step” programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups.
- Al-Anon Family Groups offer support and understanding to the families and friends of problem drinkers, whether they’re still drinking or not. Alateen is part of Al-Anon and can be attended by 12 to 17-year-olds who are affected by another person’s drinking, usually a parent.
- We Are With You is a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities manage the effects of drug and alcohol misuse.
- Adfam is a national charity working with families affected by drugs and alcohol. Adfam operates an online message board and local support groups.
- The National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacoa) provides a free, confidential telephone and email helpline for children of alcohol-dependent parents and others concerned about their welfare. Call 0800 358 3456 for the Nacoa helpline.
- SMART Recovery groups help people decide whether they have a problem, build up their motivation to change, and offer a set of proven tools and techniques to support recovery.
Gambling
In addition to the NHS page linked below, there are also charities and support groups that offer free, confidential support to people who are gambling, and their friends and family:
- The National Gambling Helpline (run by GamCare) – call 0808 8020 133 for free 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for free information, support and counselling
- GambleAware – the National Gambling Support Network service
- Primary Care Gambling Service – a national service providing support for anyone experiencing gambling-related harms
- GamLearn – the Gambling Lived Experience and Recovery Network service
- Gamblers Anonymous – a local support group service that uses the 12-step approach to recovery
- Citizens Advice Bureau – a charity that can advise you on a range of issues, including finances and gambling
- ChapterOne – a charity that can provide advice and support for anyone experiencing gambling-related harms