The COVID-19 pandemic presents those in recovery with an unprecedented set of circumstances which may have an impact on health and well-being.
In order to support those in recovery at this difficult time, the Alcohol Health Alliance has put together a list of resources which may be useful.
All of us are unique and need support in different ways. You may find some resources more useful than others.
Even in self-isolation, we are not alone.
Online meetings and support for alcohol addiction and recovery
Alcoholics Anonymous have moved their peer-support meetings online.
Helpline number: 0800 9177 650 (open 24/7), help@aamail.org
Provide access to 24/7 recovery support via their app or website.
A free and bilingual (English/ Welsh) telephone drugs helpline providing a single point of contact for anyone in Wales wanting further information or help relating to drugs or alcohol.
Helpline: 0808 808 2234, or text DAN to: 81066 (open 24/7)
Drinkcoach was established to help people keep track of and change unhealthy drinking habits. Their online resources include an app, to help people keep track of how much their drinking, as well as online coaching sessions with a trained alcohol worker over Skype.
Drinkline
Drinkline offers free, confidential, information on alcohol consumption. Please note, it is not a counselling service.
Helpline: 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am–8pm and weekends 11am–4pm)
Humankind have produced a leaflet for people managing alcohol dependency during the pandemic. If you find yourself without a supply of alcohol and are experiencing withdrawal symptoms please download the leaflet for more information on how to stay safe.
Their online coaching service, DrinkCoach provides one to one online support and lots of information about how to reduce or stop your drinking.
The recovery service provider has a range of online meetings to help you stay supported and connected.
You can join a SMART Recovery online meeting at the times listed on their website.
In response to the current crisis, SMART Recovery are providing a call back service between 9am-5pm. You can request a call by emailing support@smartrecovery.org.uk and providing your name and phone number.
A worldwide recovery community which includes a message forum and chat room. You can sign up for a free seven day trial and then pay a membership fee thereafter.
Sober Recovery provides a chat forum for those in recovery as well as their friends and family.
Speak to trained drug and alcohol workers online via We Are With You. You can contact them if you are worried about your own or someone else’s alcohol use.
(Weekdays, 9am-9pm)
(Weekends, 10am-4pm)
Support for families
Offers support to the families and friends of dependent drinkers.
Helpline: 0800 0086 811 (10am-10pm), helpline@al-anonuk.org.uk
Nacoa (The National Association for Children of Alcoholics) was founded to address the needs of children growing up in families where one or both parents suffer from alcoholism or a similar addictive problem. This includes children of all ages, many of whose problems only become apparent in adulthood.
Helpline: 0800 358 3456 (Monday-Saturday, 2pm-7pm), helpline@nacoa.org.uk (Monday-Saturday, 12pm-9pm)
Nacoa have also developed an Online Resource Pack for those concerned for young people affected by their parent’s drinking during social distancing.
Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs
The charity support anyone who is concerned about someone else’s drug or alcohol use in Scotland.
Bereavement support and one-to-one support are available online or by phone. Their website also contains a range of resources to help with your well-being.
Helpline: 08080 10 10 11 (Monday-Friday, 9am-11pm), helpline@sfad.org.uk
Podcasts
Some people may find it comforting to know that they aren’t alone in their recovery by listening to stories from others:
Melissa Rice and Jade Wye debunk the stereotype of addicts and guide you through the highs and lows of addiction and recovery.
A podcast for people who love someone with an alcohol addiction.
That Sober Guy Podcast was created by Shane Ramer. Shane battled a 17 year alcohol and drug addiction and in 2013 he sought treatment. Less than a year later, he started That Sober Guy Podcast as a way to share his own recovery and allow others to share theirs.
Mental health concerns
If you need immediate help, call 999
Samaritans provides emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope, or at risk of suicide.
Helpline: 116 123 (open 24/7), jo@samaritans.org
SHOUT is the UK text service for people in crisis.
Helpline: 85258 (via text message open 24/7)
The Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is here to support those who feel isolated, anxious, alone or suicidal.
Helpline: 0800 58 58 58 (5pm-midnight)
Webchat (5pm-midnight)
The mental health charity has put together a number of resources to provide advice on anxiety, social distancing and taking care of your well-being.
Physical health concerns
Go to NHSUK/coronavirus for information about the virus and how to protect yourself. Use the 111 online coronavirus service to check if you need medical help.
A number of UK charities have specialist health pages for how COVID-19 may affect certain conditions, including:
Liver health
Cancer
Diabetes
Heart health
