At Coventry GP, we understand that problems with drugs or substance use can affect anybody and may have a significant impact on physical health, mental wellbeing, relationships, employment and day-to-day life.
If you are struggling with drug use — or are worried about somebody close to you — support is available and recovery is possible.
Our team provides confidential, non-judgemental support and can help guide patients towards the most appropriate treatment and local services.
When Substance Use May Be Becoming a Problem
Signs You May Need Support:
You may benefit from support if
- You feel dependent on drugs or substances
- Find it difficult to cut down or stop
- Substance use is affecting work, relationships or finances
- You experience withdrawal symptoms
- Your mental health is worsening
- You feel your substance use is becoming difficult to control
- Other people have expressed concern about your drug use.
Many people struggle in silence for long periods before seeking support. Asking for help is an important and positive first step.
How Coventry GP Can Help
Our clinicians can
- Discuss concerns confidentially and without judgement
- Assess physical and mental health impacts
- Provide advice on reducing harm safely
- Arrange blood tests or health reviews where appropriate
- Support patients experiencing anxiety, depression or sleep difficulties linked to substance use
- Refer patients to specialist drug and alcohol services
- Support long-term recovery and wellbeing
We understand these conversations can feel difficult and aim to provide a safe and supportive environment for patients seeking help.
Mental Health and Substance Use
Mental health difficulties and substance use are often closely linked.
Some people may use substances to cope with
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Trauma
- Stress
- Sleep difficulties
- Emotional distress
However, substance use can often worsen mental wellbeing over time and increase emotional instability, anxiety and low mood.
Support is available for both mental health and substance use difficulties, and many people benefit from addressing both together.
Harm Reduction & Staying Safe
If you are currently using substances, reducing harm is important.
Helpful steps may include
- Avoiding mixing drugs or alcohol
- Avoiding using alone where possible
- Being cautious with unknown substances
- Seeking urgent help if feeling unwell
- Carrying naloxone where appropriate
- Accessing needle exchange services if needed
If you are worried about overdose risk or withdrawal symptoms, seek medical advice urgently.
Prescription Medication Dependence
Some people may become dependent on prescribed medications such as
- Painkillers
- Sleeping tablets
- Benzodiazepines
- Opioid medications
If you are concerned about dependence on prescribed medication, please contact the practice for advice and support.
Medication reduction should usually be gradual and medically supervised.
Cannabis, Cocaine & Recreational Drug Use
Recreational drugs can affect both physical and mental health and may increase the risk of
- Anxiety and panic attacks
- Depression
- Psychosis
- Memory and concentration problems
- Heart problems
- Dependency and addiction
If substance use is beginning to affect your wellbeing or daily life, support is available.
Important Message
You Do Not Need to Cope Alone
Drug and substance difficulties can affect anybody regardless of background or circumstance.
Support is available, and asking for help is a positive step towards recovery and improved wellbeing.
If you are worried about yourself or somebody else, please contact the practice or local support services.
Support
Young People & Substance Use
Young people may sometimes experiment with substances due to stress, peer pressure or emotional difficulties.
Early support can make a significant difference.
If you are worried about a young person’s substance use, please contact the practice or seek specialist support services.
Families and Carers
Substance misuse can affect
- Carers
- Family members
- Concerned relatives
- Partners
Support is also available for carers, family members, concerned relatives and partners.
Speaking openly and seeking support early can help both individuals and families.
Call 999 immediately if somebody
- Becomes unconscious
- Has difficulty breathing
- Has a seizure
- Develops chest pain
- Is severely confused or agitated
- May have overdosed
If urgent medical advice is needed but it is not an emergency, contact NHS 111.
Recovery & Long-Term Support
Recovery looks different for everybody.
Many people successfully reduce or stop substance use with
- Professional support
- Structured recovery plans
- Family support
- Counselling
- Lifestyle changes
- Peer support groups
Recovery is often a gradual process, and setbacks can happen. Support remains available throughout that journey.
Local Drug & Substance Support Services
Change Grow Live Coventry
Free and confidential support is available locally for adults affected by drug or alcohol misuse.
Support may include
- One-to-one support
- Harm reduction advice
- Recovery planning
- Community detox support
- Opiate substitution treatment
- Counselling and psychosocial support
- Family and carer support
- Access to rehabilitation services
Contact Information
Address: 1 Lamb Street, Coventry, CV1 4AE
Telephone: 024 7601 0241
Patients can self-refer directly without needing to see a GP first.