Help and support
Addiction and learning disabilities
If alcohol or drugs are affecting your life, you deserve information you can understand and support that works for you.
You are not alone
Addiction can affect anyone. You may be worried about your own drinking or drug use. Or you may be worried about someone you love. You might feel frightened, angry, confused or lonely. It is OK to ask for help.
If someone else's addiction is affecting you
You may love someone and still find their behaviour difficult. They may break promises, behave differently when they have been drinking or taking drugs, or cause arguments at home. You do not have to deal with this on your own.
You have the right to feel safe
Nobody has the right to hurt or threaten you, take your money, make you buy alcohol or drugs, pressure you into doing something you do not want to do, or make you keep a secret that frightens you.
If you do not feel safe, tell someone you trust. This could be a friend, family member, support worker, social worker, GP or advocate. If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If you are worried about your own drinking or drug use
You can ask your GP or a drug or alcohol service for help. Having a learning disability should not stop you getting support. You can ask someone you trust to help you contact a service or come with you.
Tell the service what helps you understand information. You can ask them to use clear words, explain things again or provide information in Easy Read. Some people prefer to talk one to one instead of going to a group.
It is OK to ask questions
You can say: “Please explain that again.” “Can you use easier words?” “Can I have this in Easy Read?” “Can someone I trust be with me?”
If someone you love has an addiction
You cannot control another person's drinking or drug use. You can still care about them and look after yourself. Ask yourself: Am I safe? Is someone frightening me or taking my money? Do I have someone to talk to? What would help me feel safer today?
Finding help
These links open independent services. If you want, ask someone you trust to help you use them.
If someone is hurting or exploiting you, tell a trusted person or contact your local council's adult social care team. In immediate danger, call 999.
About Hope Beyond Addiction
Hope Beyond Addiction shares lived experience and information. We do not provide medical or professional advice. You can read this page anonymously; you do not need to tell us your story to use it.
There can be life beyond constant fear. There can be peace without denial. There can be love with boundaries. There can be hope beyond addiction.