A drug is a chemical substance that acts on the brain and nervous system, changing a person’s mood, emotion or state of consciousness.
Drugs are often classified by the effect they have.
- Stimulants, such as cocaine, make people feel full of energy.
- Depressants (or sedatives), such as heroin, make people feel relaxed.
- Hallucinogens, such as LSD, make people see, feel or hear things that are not real.
Drug misuse is when a person regularly takes one or more drugs to change their mood, emotion or state of consciousness.
If you are concerned about your use of drugs or other substances then you can turn to one of these Portsmouth services for confidential, impartial advice and information.
If you are concerned about a loved ones drug use then you may also find these pages helpful.
Drug services in Portsmouth can help you stop or cut down. Recovery from drug problems is achievable. It is much easier with support and it leads to improved health, fitness and wellbeing.
There are a range of services including drop in sessions, peer support groups, specialist counselling and group sessions to help you make changes stick to them:
Substitute medication (methadone) and supported detoxification are available.
Your GP can refer you to services or you can contact some services directly.
A confidential needle exchange service is available across Portsmouth. Visit your local pharmacy or call 023 9285 1999.
For an assessment of your drug treatment needs and a chat about your options - call Portsmouth Community Drug Agency on 023 9275 1617.
Breaking Free is an award winning online treatment programme - click here for more details.
To print off a Young Person's Support for Substance Misuse Referral Form to 'Are You Sorted?' click here.
Switch is a young persons substance misuse and alcohol service in Portsmouth. To go to their website click here.
Counselling
Counselling is available from Portsmouth Counselling service 023 9273 5836 info@pocounselling.org.uk
For confidential support for the families and loved ones of drug misusers call Rebound on 07833 941143.
There are several peer supported drug recovery services in Portsmouth:
PUSH - 023 9229 7364 info@pushingchange.org.uk
Act 2 Recovery 07989 963459
Narcotics Anonymous 0300 999 1212
For further useful information go to any of the following sites:
www.talktofrank.com - national drug advice service
www.areyousorted.co.uk - advice for young people in Portsmouth
www.pocounsellingservice.org.uk - Portsmouth Counselling Service
www.pushingchange.org - Portsmouth drug service user group
