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Addiction Support

Finding help for addiction in Peterborough - you're not alone, recovery is possible

🧠 Understanding Addiction & Homelessness

Addiction and homelessness often go hand-in-hand, but it's important to understand that addiction is a health condition, not a moral failing. Many people turn to substances as a way to cope with trauma, mental health issues, or the overwhelming stress of homelessness.

Recovery is absolutely possible, and there are many free services available in Peterborough to help you on your journey. You deserve support, respect, and the chance to rebuild your life.

💜 You Are Not Alone

Thousands of people in the UK are in recovery from addiction. Many people who have experienced homelessness have gone on to live fulfilling, substance-free lives.

🆘 Immediate Help & Crisis Support

📞 24/7 Helplines

Free, confidential support anytime

  • • Frank Helpline: 0300 123 6600
  • • Drinkline: 0300 123 1110
  • • Samaritans: 116 123

🏥 Emergency Medical Help

If you're in immediate danger

  • • Call 999 for medical emergencies
  • • A&E departments are always open
  • • No one will be turned away

🏠 Safe Spaces

Places you can go right now

  • • Peterborough Cathedral (daytime)
  • • Local churches and community centres
  • • SOVA drop-in centre

💊 Overdose Response

Life-saving information

  • • Call 999 immediately
  • • Stay with the person
  • • Naloxone available locally

📍 Local Treatment Services in Peterborough

🏥 Drug & Alcohol Services

  • CGL (Change Grow Live) - Comprehensive treatment
  • Cambridgeshire & Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust
  • Phoenix Futures - Residential rehab options
  • SMART Recovery meetings

🤝 Support Groups

  • Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
  • Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
  • Cocaine Anonymous (CA)
  • Women-only recovery groups

🛠️ Types of Support Available

💊 Medication-Assisted Treatment

Prescription medications to reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms

Including methadone, buprenorphine, naltrexone, and disulfiram

🗣️ Talking Therapies

Counselling, CBT, and other psychological therapies

Individual and group sessions available free of charge

🏠 Residential Rehabilitation

Intensive treatment in a drug-free environment

Usually 12-24 weeks, funding may be available

👥 Peer Support

Support from people who have lived experience of addiction

Recovery coaches, peer mentors, and support groups

🏃 Harm Reduction

Services to reduce risks while you work towards recovery

Needle exchange, naloxone, safe consumption information

🎒 How Help4Homeless Can Support Your Recovery

🎁 Practical Support

  • • Wellbeing packs with essentials
  • • Warm clothing and sleeping bags
  • • Food and water supplies
  • • Phone credit to contact services

🤝 Connection to Services

  • • Help you contact treatment services
  • • Support with appointments
  • • Information about local meetings
  • • Referral to specialist support

💪 Recovery-Friendly

  • • Non-judgmental support
  • • Understanding volunteers
  • • Respect for your recovery journey
  • • No pressure to share details

🌟 Building Hope

  • • Stories of recovery success
  • • Connection to peer mentors
  • • Support for rebuilding life
  • • Celebration of progress

🌱 Taking the First Step

📞 Make That Call

Pick up the phone and call one of the services listed. It's the hardest but most important step. They're waiting to help you.

🚶 Walk In

Many services accept walk-ins. Just turn up during opening hours and ask for help. You don't need an appointment.

💬 Be Honest

Tell them exactly what's happening. They've heard it all before and are there to help, not judge.

🎯 One Day at a Time

Focus on getting through today. Recovery is a journey, not a destination. Every day sober is a victory.

❤️ Supporting Someone with Addiction

If you know someone experiencing both homelessness and addiction, here's how you can help:

✅ What Helps

  • Listen without judgment
  • Encourage professional help
  • Celebrate small victories
  • Set healthy boundaries
  • Get support for yourself too

❌ What Doesn't Help

  • Enabling drug use
  • Making threats or ultimatums
  • Taking it personally
  • Neglecting your own wellbeing
  • Giving up on them

🌟 Recovery is Possible

"I was homeless for 3 years, addicted to heroin. Today I have my own flat, a job, and I'm 5 years clean."

- James, 42, recovered with help from CGL and local AA meetings

"Alcohol nearly killed me. With support from NHS services, I've rebuilt my relationship with my children."

- Sarah, 35, now volunteers to help others in recovery

"Recovery gave me back my life. I went from sleeping rough to running my own business."

- Michael, 38, 8 years in recovery

Your recovery story could be next. 💜

Ready to Start Your Recovery Journey?

Help is available right now. You don't have to do this alone.