Free to use · England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
UK helplines for addiction, crisis and family support.
You don't need to know what to say. You can call just to ask a question. Tap a number to call it.
If there's immediate danger, an overdose or severe withdrawal, call 999. If you may be dependent on alcohol, get medical advice before stopping suddenly.
In an emergency
- Emergency servicesUK999 or 112
Immediate danger, an overdose or severe withdrawal. Any time
If you need to talk, or it feels urgent
- SamaritansUK and Ireland116 123
Someone to talk to, whatever is going on. Free, any time
- ShoutUKText SHOUT to 85258
Crisis support by text, if talking feels too much. Free, any time
- NHS 111England111, choose the mental health option
Urgent mental health help that is not an emergency.
- NHS 24Scotland111, choose the mental health option
If you cannot wait for your GP or usual service to reopen. Free to call
- Breathing SpaceScotland0800 83 85 87
A listening service for low mood, worry or stress.
- NHS 111 WalesWales111, press 2
Urgent mental health help, for yourself or someone you know. Free, any time
- LifelineNorthern Ireland0808 808 8000
Northern Ireland's crisis helpline. Free, day or night
Alcohol
- DrinklineEngland0300 123 1110
Worried about your own or someone else's drinking. Weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm
- Drinkline ScotlandScotland0800 7314 314
Worried about your own or someone else's drinking. Monday to Friday 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm
- DAN 24/7Wales0808 808 2234
Drugs and alcohol. Welsh-language support on request. Free, day or night
- Alcoholics AnonymousGreat Britain0800 917 7650
Peer support and meetings. Free to call
Drugs
- FRANKUK0300 123 6600, or text 82111
Honest information about drugs, and help finding support near you. 24 hours a day
- Know the ScoreScotland0800 587 5879
Free, confidential information and advice about drugs.
- Narcotics AnonymousUK0300 999 1212
Peer support and meetings. 10am to midnight
Worried about someone else
- Al-AnonUK and Eire0800 0086 811
Anyone affected by someone else's drinking. 10am to 10pm, every day
- NacoaUK0800 358 3456
Children and adults affected by a parent's drinking.
- DrugFAMUK0300 888 3853
Families affected by someone's drug or alcohol use.
- Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and DrugsScotland08080 10 10 11
Anyone in Scotland worried about someone's drinking or drug use. Monday to Friday, 9am to 11pm
If you are not safe at home
- National Domestic Abuse HelplineEngland0808 2000 247
Support if you are not safe at home. Free, 24 hours
- Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage HelplineScotland0800 027 1234
Support if you are not safe at home.
- Live Fear FreeWales0808 80 10 800, or text 07860 077333
Support if you are not safe at home. Free, any time
- Domestic and Sexual Abuse HelplineNorthern Ireland0808 802 1414
Support if you are not safe at home.
- Men's Advice LineUK0808 801 0327
For men experiencing domestic abuse.
Outside the UK
Both free apps list emergency and crisis numbers for Ireland, the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and Quiet Sisters also covers South Africa and Germany. Open Quiet Strength or Quiet Sisters. No passcode is needed.
We checked these numbers against each service's own website on 4 November 2026. Opening hours can change, and call charges depend on your provider. Quiet Strength Recovery isn't connected to these services, and it isn't a crisis service.
For adults 18+. Peer support and education from lived experience. Not medical treatment, and not a replacement for professional or emergency help. Outside the UK, use your local emergency number.