Drug and Alcohol Addiction

What is drug addiction?

To put it simply drug addiction is the state in which a person becomes addicted to drugs. The first time that you decide to take drugs may be voluntarily however repeated use of them can lead to a person losing their self control and the inability to make to make ration decisions, in fact they will use all types of irrational thoughts in order to justify their behaviour, thus meaning that the addict often is willing to believe everything but the drug abuse is the reason for their abuse. Illegal drugs which (there are many of) as they can cause damage to your heart and your circulatory system. A few examples of illegal drugs include Heroin, Cocaine, Ecstasy and LSD. Illegal drugs have been put into 3 different classifications, these being 'Class A' , 'Class B' and 'Class C'. They are in order of being the most dangerous (Class A).

Where can you find help?

We are With You is the young people’s substance misuse team based in Darlington.

The purpose of the service is to help young people who are misusing, or at risk of misusing drugs and alcohol. Our aim is to offer information, education and practical support. 

The team is child/family focused and works flexibly and creatively to overcome problems associated with substance misuse.

We provide a holistic approach which centres on the health and well-being of young people.

The service can offer:

• 1:1 individual support
• Support to reduce use of substances/stop using substances
• Information regarding substance use that is factual & unbiased
• Linked working and specific pathways with key partners
• Carrying out educational sessions on substances and the risks for schools, colleges and professionals
• Family and friends’ advice and support 
• Individual Placement and Support (employment services)

They will meet you where you feel most comfortable, such as where you live, at your school, college or cafe.

For further information please contact We Are With You on

• telephone: 01325 809810
• Live Chat: We Are With You - open-webchat [external link]
• website: We Are With You [external link]

A website called 'Talk to Frank' is where you can find a lot of advice/guidance about drug addiction and overcoming it.  The website can be found at www.talktofrank.com [External Link]

You can also text message them on 82111, ring Talk to Frank on 0300 123 660 or email them frank@talktofrank.com 

Finally, you can live chat with someone, you will find this at www.talktofrank.com/livechat [External Link].

FRANK is on hand to give you some confidential advice.