Where to get help Click to get info
- DrinkCoach Waltham Forest offer an assessment for residents to check on how risky their drinking is, and offer personalised online advice based on the results. Video support sessions with an alcohol specialist are also available for Waltham Forest residents scoring as increasing or higher risk. Use the code WFPROMO on the booking page (available to adults over 18 only)
If you are a professional and would like Drinkcoach resources to raise awareness among your staff and service users, please contact Laura
- CGL Waltham Forest offers a free confidential service for residents who are concerned about their drinking or need help to change their drug use. They offer a range of support and treatment options including one to one support or counselling, group and family work, detoxification and medicine-assisted treatment. Find out more about treatment options here.
CGL’s Family and Carers Support Service- offer support and advice for families affected by drugs and alcohol, including counselling and family interventions (More information).
CGL Young People’s service offers a free confidential drug and alcohol service for young people under 18 (including young offenders) and families in the borough. They also work with young people with parents or carers affected by drugs/ alcohol misuse.
To make a referral or for more information contact the team:
- For the adults service, Call 0203 826 9600 or email cgl.walthamforest@cgl.org.uk.
- For the Young People service call 0203 404 1098 or email walthamforestyp@cgl.org.uk
- Breaking Free Online- evidence-based online treatment and recovery programme for alcohol and drug dependence.
- National Helplines offer online and other support for people struggling with alcohol
- Alcohol Concern - runs the national drink helpline, Drinkline on 0300 123 1110
- Alcoholics Anonymous - helpline 0845 769 7555
- Al-Anon Family Groups - helpline 020 7403 0888
- Nacoa for anyone affected by a parent or carer’s drinking – helpline 08003583456
Risk of alcohol misuse Click to get info
Short-term
The short-term risks of alcohol misuse include:
- accidents and injuries requiring hospital treatment, such as a head injury
- loss of inhibition, which could lead to unprotected sex, increased risk of violent behaviours and other more ‘risky’ behaviours
- alcohol poisoning - this may lead to vomiting, seizures (fits) and falling unconscious
People who binge drink (drink heavily over a short period of time) are more likely to behave recklessly and are at greater risk of being in an accident.
Long-term
Persistent alcohol misuse increases your risk of serious health conditions, including:
- heart disease
- stroke
- liver disease
- liver cancer and bowel cancer
- mouth cancer
- pancreatitis
- Mental health difficulties
Read more about the risks of alcohol misuse.
CGL Young People’s service Click to get info
CGL Young People’s service offers a free confidential drug and alcohol service for young people under 18 (including young offenders) and families in the borough. They also work with young people with parents or carers affected by drugs/ alcohol misuse.
Contact: 0203 404 1098 or email walthamforestyp@cgl.org.uk
Types of support available through CGL YP
- Comprehensive assessment and care planning for young people
- One- to- one therapeutic interventions
- Group work programs
- Information, support and training for families, carers and professionals
- Education and awareness workshops
- Support with ETE opportunities
- Peer mentoring opportunities
- Advocacy
- Referrals to relevant services
Further Information and advice Click to get info
Read the following factsheets with important information on various topics relating to alcohol
- Tips for cutting down
- How much should I drink
- Alcohol and mental health
- Alcohol and brain
- Alcohol and Weightloss
- Alcohol and diabetes
- Alcohol and parenting Supporting your children have a healthy relationship with alcohol.
- Alcohol-related bereavement for those who have lost a loved one through alcohol.
- I think my parent drinks too much for children and young people.
- Parents who drink too much for parents, and family members seeking support.
- Families affected by harmful drinking -for practitioners to support family members
Factsheets relating to how alcohol affects various health conditions can be found.