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Learn more about the support available for drug and alcohol misuse, and our student-led harm reduction approach to all addictive behaviours.
Support at UCL
To keep our students safe, UCL is employing a harm reduction approach to alcohol and drug misuse from the 2024-25 Academic Year.
Whilst we do not condone nor normalise the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs, we understand that addiction is a complex health and social issue.
This approach enables us to give you the resources, knowledge and support you need to stay informed and reduce the harm associated with addictive behaviours. Our student-led support includes:
- Creating a student online module to educate on addictive behaviours.
- Making drug testing kits available anonymously on campus.
- Providing comprehensive training to staff, particularly in student-facing roles, on harm reduction strategies.
- Partnering with the NHS Changing Unwanted Behaviours (CUBE) clinic, clinical experts and trained student representatives to deliver specialist support.
If you would like support for an issue related to use of alcohol, drugs or another addictive behaviour, or you are worried about a student, please contact UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.
Our friendly team of advisers will signpost you to the most appropriate support in a trusted, confidential way and without facing discrimination.
External support services
There are a number of services and websites that can help you better understand and cope with drug and alcohol addiction or misuse.
NHS
You can refer to the NHS page on alcohol support and the NHS page on drug addiction comprehensive guidance on support. The website also signposts from the NHS on substance misuse.
NHS service local to the UCL Main Campus:
- Get support from Change Grow Live
Change Grow Live offer drug and alcohol support for people in Camden, including:
- Advice on keeping safe;
- Emotional support and counselling;
- Group work;
- Online courses;
- Medically assisted treatment;
- Access to different detox and rehab options;
- Peer support;
- Recovery support, including education, training and employment advice and;
- onward referrals to specialist services.
To find out more about the service and get support, visit the Change Grow Live website.
You can also:
- Call 020 7485 2722;
- Email camden.referrals@cgl.org.uk or;
- Speak to the service online by webchat.
If you don’t feel you are able to contact the services yourself, please contact social services or ask your GP, a relative or friend to phone for you.
FRANK
This website provides honest information about drugs, practical advice and signposts to support. Find drug and alcohol support near you.
Drinkaware
Drinkaware is an independent charity working to reduce alcohol misuse and harm in the UK.
Visit the Drinkaware page on alcohol support services.
Adfam
A charity supporting families affected by drugs and alcohol.