Where to go for online support
We hope you’re doing OK in this worrying time.
While the coronavirus situation continues, many face-to-face services are adapting to offer support remotely, by phone or online, to help people using and working in services stay safe.
But this doesn’t mean you’re on your own. Alongside the remote support you may be getting, there are other kinds of support, community and advice available online.
Join an online community or support group
These online communities can offer a listening ear, a friendly chat and practical advice, wherever you are.
- SMART Recovery online meetings run five days a week
- Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous offer online meetings
- SoberRecovery.com is a community of more than 168,000 people, with discussion forums for drug and alcohol users, and their friends and family
- StopDrinking on Reddit is a busy online support group for people trying to control or stop their drinking
- HealthUnlocked has free, moderated support communities for people with anxiety, depression and other mental health conditions
- MeeTwo is a safe, anonymous and moderated forum that offers a safe space for young people to talk about mental health and other difficult things
Breaking Free Online
You can also get a year’s free access to Breaking Free Online, a comprehensive digital treatment and recovery programme.
You’ll need an online referral before you can get started, so speak to our webchat team who will help you get access.
Get help and advice online
We have lots of advice online to help you through difficult times. See our advice on:
You can also find advice and support elsewhere online:
- Crew Scotland have advice on staying safe and hygienic if you drink or use drugs. There is important information about reducing harm and preventing coronavirus transmission when smoking, drinking, snorting, injecting, dabbing or bumping drugs.
- Drugs and Me is an online harm-reduction guide to safer drug use.
- AdFam has advice on managing conflict and having better communication with your family or loved ones.
- Calm is offering a selection of online relaxation exercises and meditation tools.
- The Headspace app is offering free meditations, exercises and healthy sleep activities
Speak to a professional
Webchat
If you could use a one-to-one chat with a professional, try our free and confidential webchat service.
You could also try:
- In a crisis, you can contact the Samaritans by phone or email at any time, day or night
- If you would prefer to text, support is available from SHOUT, the 24/7 UK text service for people in crisis, on 85258
- The Calm Zone offers free and anonymous online support from 5pm to midnight every day