Drug and Alcohol Addiction

Drug and alcohol addiction causes harm to individuals, families and even whole communities. There are organisations both locally and nationally which can help with your drug or alcohol addiction or the addiction of one of your friends or family.

Which drugs are illegal and what harm do they cause?

Illegal drugs are categorised into three classes:

• Class A drugs include cocaine, heroin, LSD and ecstasy.
• Class B drugs include amphetamine, cannabis and codeine
• Class C drugs include ketamine and anabolic steroids.

Examples of other drugs that are commonly misused include alcohol, tobacco, prescribed medicines including painkillers, sleeping tablets, and cold remedies, glues, aerosols, gases and solvents.

Visit the A-Z Encyclopaedia on the DrugScope website to find out all there is to know about drugs and their effects.

I am worried about my own/somebody else's drug addiction, where can I get help and advice?

Visit the Oxfordshire County Council website for information on referrals to addiction treatment services.

Visit the Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team website for more information on drug addiction and treatment services.

Alternatively, you can use the contact details below for professional help and advice on drug issues:

Drug and Alcohol Services in Oxfordshire

SMART Community Drug and Alcohol Service
The Old Music Hall, 106-108 Cowley Road, Oxford
Tel: 01865 403151

SMART Aftercare Service - Restart Plus
The Annexe, The Old Music Hall, 106-108 Cowley Road, Oxford
Tel: 01865 403210

Cranstoun Women's Service
Hooper House, 3 Collins Street, Oxford
Tel: 01865 793880

Evolve - Oxfordshire Young People drug and alcohol treatment service
Unit 18 Kings Meadow Industrial Estate, Ferry Hinksey Road, Oxford OX2 0DP
Tel: 01865 723909

T2 detached youth workers
County Hall, New Road, Oxford OX1 1ND
Tel: 01865 815054

For more information on services throughout the county, please contact Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT) on 01865 290800 or visit their website.

You can also speak to your doctor about the options available to you.

Where can I safely get rid of my own/somebody else's needles and syringes?

In Oxfordshire we run a needle exchange programme from a number of sites including pharmacies and Oxford Nightshelter. For more information, please contact Oxfordshire DAAT on 01865 290800.

Discarded needles and syringes can be a danger to everyone. You should contact us straight away if you find a discarded needle or syringe anywhere in Oxford. Visit our Needles and Syringes page for information.

Where can I find more information on drug related issues?

Visit the Drugs section of the NHS Choices website for more information on drugs and getting help with an addiction.

Visit the Drug Addiction section of the DirectGov website for more information on getting help with drug addictions.

Page last reviewed 16 Sep 2010