Live Well Aware - Middlesbrough
Quick links: Check your alcohol and drug use
What is Live Well Aware?
The Live Well Aware programme, delivered by Recovery Solutions Middlesbrough, offers free, private support to people who are in work and would like to talk about their drinking, drug use or use of medicines.
You may be thinking about making a change but are not sure where to start. Or you may just want to talk things through and understand your use better.
You do not need to make any decisions before contacting us and you do not need to wait until things get worse. Talking to someone can be a good first step.
Get in touch:
Call or message 07716 129395
How do we support change?
Making changes can be hard.
The Live Well Aware team can help you understand your drinking, drug use or use of medicines and support you to make changes if you want to.
Together, we can talk about:
When and where you are most likely to use alcohol, drugs or medicines
How your feelings, routines or daily life affect your use
What you like about using and any worries you may have
Why you might be thinking about making a change
Anything that is making change difficult
The support available to help you
Small steps that could make a difference
We will listen and work with you to find what works best for you.
There is no pressure and no judgement. You are in control and can decide what changes, if any, you would like to make.
Support shaped around you
Everyone is different. Your support will focus on what matters to you and what you feel ready to talk about.
We can help you to:
Understand your drinking, drug use or use of medicines
Spot habits and situations linked to your use
Think about how you feel about making a change
Identify your own reasons for making changes
Build confidence and learn new skills
Find ways to cope with difficult situations, feelings or cravings
Make small changes to your daily routine
Set goals that feel realistic and achievable
Plan for situations that may make change harder
Review your progress and make changes to your plan if needed
Use online tools and resources between appointments
Access other services if you need extra support
Change takes time and not everything will go to plan. That's normal. If things do not work out as expected, we will help you understand what happened and decide what might help next.
Do I need to be ready to change?
No. It's normal to feel unsure.
You may feel that alcohol, drugs or medicines help in some situations, while also causing worries or problems. You might be thinking about making a change, but not know where to start.
You can contact us if you:
Are not sure if your alcohol, drug or medicine use is becoming a concern
Want to understand your habits better
Are thinking about cutting down but do not know where to start
Find it difficult to make changes
Have tried to make changes before
Are worried about the effect on your health, relationships or work
Would like to talk to someone about your concerns
There is no pressure and no judgement. We will listen and help you explore your options. You do not need to have decided what you want to do before getting in touch.
What happens when I contact Live Well Aware?
When you contact us, we will start with a private conversation about your situation and the support you are looking for.
We will then arrange a meeting with a member of our team at a time that works for you. The person you meet with will support you throughout your time with the service.
During this first meeting, we can talk about:
Your current situation
Your drinking, drug use or use of medicines
How you feel about your use
Any changes you might be thinking about making
Habits or situations linked to your use
Anything that may be making change difficult
The support you already have around you
What you would like to achieve
When and how you would like your appointments to take place
You and your support worker will agree on the next steps together.
You do not need to prepare anything before your appointment. We're here to listen and help you find the support that is right for you.
Appointments that fit around your work and life
We understand that it can be difficult to find time for support when you have work, family or other commitments.
We offer flexible appointments that can fit around your daily life.
Appointments are available:
By phone
Through WhatsApp
Online using Microsoft Teams or Zoom
Face to face
Evening and weekend appointments are available.
You can choose the type of appointment that works best for you, and we will work with you to find a time that suits you.
Check your alcohol and drug use
These short surveys can help you learn more about your drinking or drug use and how it may be affecting your life.
They can help you to:
Understand your current habits
Spot patterns you may not have noticed before
Think about whether you would like to make any changes
Decide if you would benefit from extra support
These surveys are not a diagnosis. They are simply a way to help you reflect on your alcohol or drug use.
If you are worried about your results, are unsure what they mean, or would like to talk to someone, please contact us.
Check your alcohol use
The alcohol survey asks questions about your drinking and how it may be affecting your health and daily life.
Click the question mark image to complete a short alcohol check. It can help you understand your drinking habits and whether you could benefit from making any changes or getting extra support.
If you would like to talk about your results or get support, please contact us.
Check your drug use
The drug survey asks questions about your drug use and how it may be affecting your health and daily life.
Click the question mark image to complete a short drug use check. It can help you understand your drug use and whether you could benefit from making any changes or getting extra support.
If you would like to talk about your results or get support, please contact us.
Alcohol and the workplace
Alcohol can affect different parts of your life, including your work. It may affect your sleep, mood, concentration and relationships. Some people also find themselves using alcohol to relax after work or cope with stress.
Visit the Alcohol Change UK website to learn more about alcohol and work.
If any of this sounds familiar, Live Well Aware is here to help. You can contact us for a free, private and non-judgemental conversation about your drinking and the support available.
Start with a conversation
If you're worried about your drinking, drug use or use of medicines, you do not have to face it alone.
You do not need to know whether your use is a problem, and you do not need to have decided what changes you want to make.
We can help you understand what is happening, talk through your options and support you to take small steps that work for you.
Call or message: 07716 129395
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 5pm to 10pm
Saturday and Sunday: 11am to 5pm
Email: livewellaware@middlesbrough.gov.uk
No judgement. Just support.