River - Liverpool Drug and Alcohol Support Services
Everyone’s journey will be different, and we’ll help you make a plan that works for you, but you support might involve some of the options below.
Your first visit
If you have made a referral using our online form, your first assessment will be over the phone. A member of our team will call you to find out a bit more about you, including your goals and your current situation.
The next step is a more in-depth assessment where you can discuss your treatment and support options with your key worker. This will either take place face-to-face at the service, or over the phone.
We're an open access service, which means you don't need an appointment - you can just walk in. You'll be assessed and then you can speak to a recovery coordinator about the treatment options that would suit you.
We'll listen to your needs and tailor the care you receive.
Support with alcohol
One-to-one support
You’ll work with a key worker to set goals and find the best way forward. They’ll help you understand your drinking and how to make changes at your own pace.
Groups
Talking to others who understand what you’re going through can make a big difference. Our groups offer a safe space to share experiences and support each other. Some groups focus on peer support, while others use structured techniques to help you change habits
Medication
If you’re dependent on alcohol, you might be offered medication to help manage cravings and withdrawal symptoms. This can make it safer and easier to cut down or stop drinking.
Detox
For those who need it, we can help you safely stop drinking with medical supervision. Detox is often the first step in a longer recovery journey, and we’ll be here to support you after it too.
Alcohol quiz
Take our quick quiz to understand how much you’re drinking and get advice.
Some of the questions will ask you about units. Click ‘Unit Guide’ for help.
When you’ve answered the questions we’ll give you advice about alcohol and what to do next.
Support with drugs
One-to-one
You’ll have a support worker who will help you set goals and take steps to reduce or stop using drugs. They’ll provide advice, encouragement, and practical strategies to help you move forward.
Groups
You don’t have to do this alone. Our groups bring people together to share experiences, offer support, and learn new ways to cope. Some focus on peer support, while others use structured methods like cognitive approaches to help you change habits.
Medication
If you use heroin or other opioids, you might be offered medication-assisted treatment, such as methadone or buprenorphine. This can help you reduce or stop using safely and comfortably.
Detox and rehab
A drug detox helps you come off drugs safely, either with medical support at home or as part of an inpatient programme. If you want to take the next step, rehab can give you the time and space to work on long-term recovery in a supportive environment.
Drugs quiz
Take our quick quiz to understand your drug use.
For this quiz, ‘drugs’ means non-medical drugs, or and prescription and over-the-counter drugs you’re using more than the instructed amount of. It does not cover alcohol or tobacco.
Your answers should only be about your drug use over the last 12 months.
When you’ve answered the questions, we’ll give you advice about drugs and what to do next.
Needle and syringe programmes
Needle and syringe programmes are places where you can get new, clean injecting equipment and advice for staying safe. You can also return any used equipment so that it can be safely disposed of.
All of our hubs run a needle and syringe programme.
You can also get safer injecting supplies by post, with the option of discreet packaging, for free.
Please ask your keyworker or a member of staff in the needle exchange for the code you will need to access this service.
If you want to access needle and syringe programmes in person, there are a number of options in the city. Look out for this logo, which shows where you can exchange your needles.
Some local pharmacies offer a free needle and syringe programme.
Naloxone – the overdose reversal drug
Naloxone is life-saving medication that can reverse an overdose from opioids.
You can get a free naloxone kit and training from any of our hubs, or from any other needle and syringe programme.
Find out more about naloxone – the overdose reversal drugNational online chat
Talking about your concerns can often be the first step to making some positive changes. You can make a start by chatting to one of our experienced practitioners using the webchat service. Please note that they operate nationally and aren't connected to any individual Change Grow Live services.
Useful websites and apps
Alcoholics Anonymous
Regular support groups all over the country for people with an addiction to alcohol.
Visit the site
Breaking Free Online
Free, online treatment and recovery program for anyone addicted to alcohol or drugs. Speak to any member of staff or volunteer at your local service to get access.
Visit the site
Download the app from
SMART Recovery
Self-help recovery programmes that include help with alcohol and drug addiction.
Visit the site
