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Help with addiction to crack cocaine or opiates

You don’t have to use substances like crack cocaine or opiates every day to develop an addiction. A key sign of addiction is when you’ve tried to cut down or stop, but find yourself unable to.

If drug use is affecting your relationships, work, finances, or health, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible.

We understand that speaking to a GP about addiction can feel overwhelming. That’s why there are dedicated drug and alcohol support services available in your community. Many of these services are run by people who have firsthand experience with addiction, offering a safe, judgement-free environment to help you start your recovery journey.

No matter where you are in your journey, reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Find the help you need today.

Drug support services

Change, Grow, Live (CGL)

Change, Grow, Live – Hastings | STAR Drugs and Alcohol Service

Change, Grow, Live (CGL) is dedicated to helping people navigate life’s challenges. Their services connect you with people who have lived through similar experiences and can provide compassionate guidance on your road to recovery.

Women's Hub

The Women’s Hub is a trauma-informed service designed for all who identify as female. This welcoming space offers a wide range of support in collaboration with Seaview and other community services, including:

  • advice and information from experienced staff
  • assessments and referrals for further assistance
  • access to sexual health nurses and complex needs workers
  • acupuncture sessions and creative groups
  • yoga classes to support mental and physical wellbeing
  • a clothes bank and hygiene products for those in need
  • guidance on rehabilitation referrals

The Women’s Hub is open every Tuesday from 10am to 3pm at: The Quakers Building, 5 South Terrace.

No referral is needed to attend. For more information, please contact:
Rachel.Payne@cgl.org.uk

Take the first step towards support and recovery — we’re here to help.

East Sussex Veteran's Hub

East Sussex Veteran's Hub provides specialised support and programmes to help individuals on their recovery journey and reintegrate into the community.

Prison In-Reach Service

The Veterans’ Hub has been commissioned to deliver a Prison In-Reach Service. If you know someone preparing for release from prison, our team will connect with them to provide tailored support as they transition back into the community.

Thrive Alive Meditation

For those recovering from crack and opiate use, the Hub offers Thrive Alive Meditation, a program designed to help beginners learn deep relaxation techniques. Participants receive ongoing support to aid in their recovery and improve overall well-being.

Rural activities

The Hub also offers a variety of rural-based activities to support recovery through new and enriching experiences. These include:

  • Bushcraft away days
  • Specialised workshops such as woodcarving and other hands-on skills

These activities are aimed at promoting enjoyment, fostering new connections, and creating a sense of accomplishment in a peaceful rural setting.

Workshops may be arranged in collaboration with support agencies like CGL, Seaview, and Emerging Futures.

Visit: East Sussex Veterans’ Hub

Seaview Project

Seaview provide compassionate and practical services designed to help individuals navigate life’s challenges.

The RADAR Programme

The RADAR Programme Refocus, Assess, Develop, Activate, Recover — offers a non-judgmental, confidential service led by individuals who have personally experienced the journey of recovery. This peer-led approach ensures understanding, empathy, and guidance as you work towards rebuilding your life.

For more information, visit:

Seaview Project – Practical services for complex lives

Youth Justice Service - East Sussex County Council

If you’re a young person who has been convicted of a criminal offence, or you know someone in this situation, the Youth Justice Service is here to help.

We support young people in making positive changes, with the goal of preventing re-offending and building a brighter future.

For guidance and support, visit:

Youth Justice Service

SWIFT Specialist Family Service

SWIFT offers intensive, specialist assessments and tailored support to help families address these challenges effectively.

Speak to your social worker about a referral to access the support you need to protect your family and work towards a healthier future.

Housing support in Hastings

Hastings Borough Council provides support for individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

If you are:

  • about to be released from prison or hospital
  • facing eviction or at risk of losing your home

It’s crucial to contact the council as soon as possible to access the help and resources you need. Visit:

Hastings Borough Council – housing support

Frank

If you’re under 19 and struggling with drug use, or if you’re concerned about a child or young person’s substance misuse, FRANK offers confidential, honest advice and support.

FRANK – Honest advice about drugs

Counsellor recovery initiative

As part of Project ADDER, we’ve launched a Counsellor Recovery Initiative offering up to 12 weeks of free counselling to people recovering from crack or opiate use. Provided through Counselling Work, this service helps address underlying issues such as trauma and supports long-term recovery.

Counsellor recovery initiative | Counselling Work

Report drug exploitation

Organised criminal groups often exploit vulnerable individuals, including children and those with drug dependencies. If you or someone you know may be a victim of drug exploitation, report it to Sussex Police:

  • Report online
  • Call 101 for non-emergencies
  • In an emergency, always call 999

NHS – Getting help for drug addiction

If you’re ready to stop using drugs but aren’t sure where to begin, support is available. For information on how to get the support you need to begin your recovery, visit:

Drug addiction: getting help

What is Project ADDER?

Project ADDER (Addiction, Diversion, Disruption, Enforcement and Recovery) has been launched by the Home Office to tackle drug use and dependency. The area of focus for East Sussex is Hastings, which has one of the highest drug-related death rates in England.

Through Project Adder we are working with a number of agencies and charities to provide education and support to people affected by drug use and find a route out of dependency that is right for them.

Nyxoid nasal Naloxone spray can help save a life

Nyxoid is a single-dose nasal spray which contains Naloxone and is used to temporarily reverse the effects of an overdose to opioid drugs (such as heroin, methadone, fentanyl, oxycodone, buprenorphine or morphine).

It should be carried by anyone at risk of overdosing from an opioid, as well as carers, close family or friends and local businesses however you must complete the first aid training first.

Book your online training session here. 

Click on these two videos to find out more about what naloxone is, its importance and how to use Nyxoid.

How much do you know about Naloxone?

Nyxoid nasal spray training video

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