How to Use Drugs or
Alcohol More Safely

Quick links: FAQ about staying safe | Support services

If you use drugs or alcohol, you can still get support to stay as safe and healthy as possible. We understand that everyone’s journey is different. You don’t have to stop using substances to get help. Our harm reduction services in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland are free and confidential.

They offer friendly, expert support to help reduce risks and keep you safe.

Harm reduction support in South Tees

Recovery Solutions is a free and confidential service for people living in Middlesbrough.
You can get support to explore your relationship with drugs or alcohol and make changes that feel right for you.

Visit one of our hubs

Call: 01642 726800
Email: accessingchangetogether@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Middlesbrough – Recovery Solutions

WithYou is a free and confidential service supporting people in Redcar & Cleveland who are worried about their drug or alcohol use.
They offer friendly advice, treatment options, and ongoing help to support your health and wellbeing. For more information, visit the WithYou website or:

Visit us: 161 High Street, Redcar, TS10 3AN
Call: 0300 3033 781
Email: thrive.withyou@nhs.net

Redcar & Cleveland - WithYou

Harm reduction means helping you stay safe while using substances. It’s not about judging or telling you to stop – it’s about giving you the tools and information to make safer choices. This includes:

  • avoiding overdose

  • using clean equipment

  • knowing what you’re taking

  • getting support when you need it

Everyone’s situation is different, and we’re here to meet you where you are.

What is harm reduction?

Naloxone is a medicine that can help someone who has taken too many opioids (like heroin or strong painkillers). It can wake them up and help them breathe again until an ambulance arrives.

How does it work?

Opioids can slow down or stop breathing. Naloxone works by quickly blocking those effects. It only works for opioids, not other drugs.

Why is Naloxone important?

  • It saves lives - Naloxone can help someone survive an overdose.

  • Anyone can use it - you don’t need to be a doctor or nurse.

  • It’s free - we give out free Naloxone kits and show you how to use them.

How can I get Naloxone?

You can get Naloxone by talking to our harm reduction team(s).

If you live in Middlesbrough and need Naloxone, our harm reduction team can help.

  • When? Monday to Friday, between 11am and 2pm

  • Where? They can meet you in the community

  • How? Call 07716 129395 to speak to them

You can also ask for Naloxone during your one-to-one appointments with us.

If you live in Redcar and Cleveland and need Naloxone, the WithYou needle and syringe service staff are here to help. They can give you advice on how to prevent overdose and provide free Naloxone; either as an injection (Prenoxad) or a nasal spray (Nyxoid). You’ll also get simple training on how to use it safely.

Want to learn more?

Watch a short video at naloxone.org.uk to see how to use Naloxone safely.

What is Naloxone?

Start low, go slow: Use a small amount first, especially if it’s a new batch or you haven’t used for a while.

  • Avoid mixing: Combining drugs, alcohol, or medication increases risks.

  • Stay hydrated: Drink water and take breaks.

  • Don’t use alone: If you can, be with someone who can get help if needed.

  • Use clean equipment: Always use your own needles, syringes, and foils.

  • Know the signs of overdose: If someone is unresponsive, call 999 immediately and stay with them.

  • Carry Naloxone: This medicine can reverse an opioid overdose and save a life. Free kits and training are available from our team.

Practical tips to stay safe:

Yellow smiley face with two eyes and a curved mouth on pavement, with the words 'STAY SAFE' painted beneath.

Accessing clean equipment

You can get free, clean equipment to help you stay safe, including:

  • needles and syringes

  • filters, cookers, vitamin C or citric

  • foils and bins for used equipment

You can collect these from:

  • some local pharmacies

  • our Recovery Solutions hubs

  • We Are With You in Redcar

You can also order clean equipment directly to your door from the NSP Direct website.

Visit the Exchange Supplies website for more information.

WEDINOS is a free, anonymous service that lets you send in substances for testing. You’ll find out what’s really in them and get harm reduction advice to help you stay safe.

  • Free and confidential

  • Quick online results (usually within a few days)

  • Helps you make informed choices

Visit the WEDINOS website for more information.

WEDINOS

  • Talk to Frank – Honest, accessible drug facts and support. Visit the Talk to Frank website for more information.

    Release – Expert advice on drugs and your rights. Visit the Release website for more information.

    Exchange Supplies – Harm reduction resources, equipment and education. Visit the Exchange Supplies website for more information.

    Drink and Drug Hub – Local North East info, support and self-help tools. Visit the Drink and Drug website for more information.

  • Samaritans – 24/7 support for anyone in distress. Visit the Samaritans website for further support.

    Young Minds – Mental health support for young people. Visit the Young Minds website for more information.

    Mental Health Foundation – Find helpful tips and trusted information on how to take care of your mental health by visiting the Mental Health Foundation website.

  • Citizens Advice – Free, confidential help with housing, benefits, employment, and more. Visit the Citizen’s Advice website for more information.

    Release – Legal support around drug use, housing, and stop & search. Visit the Release website for more information.

  • Victim Support – Help for anyone affected by crime. Visit the Victim Support website for more information.

    Refuge – Support for women and children experiencing domestic abuse. Visit the Refuge website for further support.

    My Sister’s Place - Support for those how are or have experienced domestic abuse. Visit the My Sister’s Place website for more information.

  • Narcotics Anonymous (UKNA) – Peer-led support to stop using drugs. Visit the Narcotics Anonymous website for further information.

    Alcoholics Anonymous – Fellowship for people looking to stop drinking. Visit the Alcoholics Anonymous website for more information.

    SMART Recovery UK – Practical tools for managing addiction and behaviour. Visit the Smart Recovery Website for more information.

    Gamblers Anonymous – Peer support to stop gambling. Visit the Gamblers Anonymous website for more information.

  • The Five Ways to Wellbeing are five simple things you can do every day to help your mental health. They are backed by research and recommended by the NHS.

    If you're thinking about making changes or working on your recovery, these small steps can help. They can make you feel more confident, build good habits, and help you cope better.

    1. Connect

    Spend time with people who make you feel safe and listened to. This could be friends, family, support groups, or your local recovery community.

    2. Be active

    Move your body every day. Even a short walk can help reduce stress, lift your mood, and help you feel more in control.

    3. Keep learning

    Try something new. Learning can help you feel proud, build new skills, and give you a sense of progress.

    4. Give to others

    Helping someone else, like volunteering or just listening, can make you feel good and build stronger connections.

    5. Take notice

    Slow down and notice how you feel and what’s around you. This can help you feel calmer and manage cravings.

    These steps aren’t about doing more — they’re about doing what works for you, in your own time.

    To learn more, visit the Five Ways to Wellbeing page on the NHS website.

  • If you're starting to think about your drug or alcohol use, this free workbook is a good place to start.

    You can use it in your own time, at your own pace. Whether you're thinking about making changes, staying safer, or just want to understand things better — this workbook can help.

    Inside, you'll find:

    • A short quiz about your drug or alcohol use

    • A tracker to spot patterns in your use

    • Space to write about how things are going

    • Questions to help you set goals for now and later

    You can download, print, or save the workbook; it's yours to use in whatever way feels right for you.

  • Recovery isn’t just about stopping — it’s also about getting ready for the ups and downs that might happen along the way.

    Our free Relapse Prevention Booklet can help you feel more confident, supported, and in control.

    This booklet (PDF) includes:

    • Easy tools to help you understand your triggers

    • Space to write down early warning signs

    • Ideas to help manage urges and cravings

    • Prompts to build your own safety and support plan

    Whether you're just starting recovery, starting again, or want to feel more secure in the progress you’ve made; this booklet is here for you. Use it in your own way, whenever it helps.

Other services that can help