Addiction

An addiction is a strong, uncontrollable need to do, take or use something to the point that it may be harmful. Problems with addiction can start as a way of coping with feelings that an individual is experiencing. An individual experiencing an addiction cannot control how they use it and may become dependent on it to get through their daily life. Addiction can lead to problems in people’s work life, home life and relationships.

Common addictions are drugs and alcohol, but other examples include gambling, shopping, chocolate, pornography, medication and sex.

An individual is more at risk of developing an addiction if they:

have family members with addiction problems
experienced stress or abuse while growing up
have mental health problems.

Addictions are sometimes used to mask other underlying problems. Treatment for addiction focuses on the individual and their needs. Talking therapies and medication are common treatments for addiction.

Where to get help

FreshStart Psychotherapy

Read more about FreshStart Psychotherapy

FreshStart Psychotherapy provides low cost psychotherapy or counselling for clients who require long term or open ended therapy but cannot access it via NHS or privately.

This unqiue service allows therapists an opportunity to gain valuable experience and low cost counselling for clients.

One You Camden

Read more about One You Camden

The website One You Camden is a gateway into the many activities and choices that can aid good mental health, such as healthy eating and quitting smoking . The website offers plenty of practical and locally based support.

Scotscare, the charity for Scots in London

Currently open

Currently closed. Next open:

Thu:

9:00-17:00

Read more about Scotscare, the charity for Scots in London

We offer a wide range of support to help you permanently overcome issues that may be holding you or your family back. Our team will spend time listening to you, considering what sort of support you need and how we may be able to help. We tailor our support to each individual and our clients are always welcome to return to us again in future.

Camden Health Improvement Practice (CHIP)

Currently open

Currently closed. Next open:

Fri:

9:00-16:00

Read more about Camden Health Improvement Practice (CHIP)

Camden Health Improvement Practice (CHIP) is a specialist primary health care service for homeless people and those on the verge of becoming homeless.

CHIP combines the expertise of GPs and nurses with Turning Point's values and experience of supporting people with various needs concerning substance misuse and mental health.

Some Space - support if you are affected by a friend or family member's drug or alcohol use

Read more about Some Space - support if you are affected by a friend or family member's drug or alcohol use

Some Space is a free and confidential friends and family service for adults aged 18+ in Camden.

We help Camden residents who are affected by someone else’s drug or alcohol use to regain control over their life, whether or not the drug or alcohol user is also receiving help.

A person’s drug or alcohol misuse can have a big impact on people close to them. Relatives, partners and friends can find themselves feeling responsible, but unsure how to help, and are often in need of guidance and support themselves.

New Horizon Youth Centre

Read more about New Horizon Youth Centre

Providing a lifeline for London's homeless and vulnerable youths, our day centre offers a free employment, education and training programme; health, fitness and wellbeing services; and a range of personal development workshops for young people. We also offer lifeskills workshops, health checks, sport and physical activity, women’s group, men’s group, family mediation, job searching and employment help (for people not currently in employment, education or training), support for substance misuse, and counselling.

Polish Psychologists' Association (PPA)

Read more about Polish Psychologists' Association (PPA)

PPA offers psychology consultations, individual counselling, family and psychosexological support.

SHASPI - The Self Harm, Addictions and Suicide Prevention Intervention

Currently open

Currently closed. Next open:

Mon:

18:00-21:00

Read more about SHASPI - The Self Harm, Addictions and Suicide Prevention Intervention

SHASPI aims to provide service users with access to healthier mind-sets and be informed to make better choices.

Breathe - help quit smoking

Currently open

Currently closed. Next open:

Mon:

11:00-14:00

Read more about Breathe - help quit smoking

Support to help people in Camden quit smoking.

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA)

Currently open

Currently closed. Next open:

Sun:

12:00-13:30

Read more about Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA)

Co-Dependents Anonymous (CoDA) is a set of informal self-help groups made up of men and women with a common interest in working through the problems that co-dependency has caused in their lives. CoDA is based on AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and uses an adapted version of their 12 Steps and Traditions as a central part of its suggested programme of recovery.

Hestia - facing up to domestic abuse and modern slavery

Currently open

Currently closed. Next open:

Fri:

9:00-16:00

Read more about Hestia - facing up to domestic abuse and modern slavery

We are the largest provider of domestic abuse refuges in London and have the largest team of specialists working to combat human trafficking across the capital and the South East. We help people find a permanent home, manage their finances and take care of their health. We also help access to work, training or education, as well as providing emotional and practical support to help people succeed in their daily lives. Our free mobile app Bright Sky has been developed to support victims of domestic abuse and their families.

Find out more

We all have times when life’s problems affect our mental health. Maybe you are feeling down and need a safe space to chat, or you would like to meet new people or try something different? This website lists over 100 groups in and around Camden, many offering free or low-cost activities. While some will help with a specific problem, others offer everyday activities to encourage us all to get out and about. Why not find what appeals to you. You can make a list of the groups that are of interest with ‘My Shortlist’.

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