Dependency (alcohol, drugs, gambling)

If a student tells you they think they may have a dependency on/addiction to alcohol, drugs or gambling you can help by:

• Listening to them if they want to tell you about it.
• Listening without judgement. Try not to delve for a lot of detail this can imply judgement even if that is not what you meant.
• Directing them to or working through some help resources with them as a starting point.
• Change Grow Live - an information, advice and support organisation for alcohol dependency.
• Frank - an information, advice and support organisation for drug use.
• GamCare - an information, advice and support organisation for gambling.
• Encourage them to seek professional help. Their GP or our welfare team is a good first point of contact. They can advise about specific support agencies of networks.
• Help them to identify a family/friends support network that they are comfortable to share their situation with.

If you are concerned that a student has a dependency that is evidently impacting on their lives but they have not raised it with you, you may wish to discuss it with them or raise your concern with a colleague to discuss a way forward.