Drug Addiction

Drug addiction causes harm to individuals, families and even whole communities. There are organisations which can help with your drug addiction or the addiction of one of your friends or family.

Which drugs are illegal and what harm do they cause?

Illegal drugs are categorised into three classes: Class A drugs include cocaine, heroin, LSD and ecstacy. Class B drugs include amphetamine and codeine and Class C drugs include cannabis, ketamine and anabolic steroids.

Examples of other drugs that are commonly misused include alcohol, tobacco, prescribed medicines including painkillers, sleeping tablets, and cold remedies, glues, aerosols, gases and solvents.

Visit the A-Z Encyclopaedia on the DrugScope website to find out all there is to know about drugs and their effects.

I am worried about my own/somebody else's drug addiction, where can I get help and advice?

Visit the Oxfordshire County Council health pages for information on referrals to addiction treatment services.

Visit the Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team website for more information on drug addiction and treatment services.

Alternatively, you can use the contact details below for professional help and advice on drug issues:

**Drug addiction contacts**
Organisation	Phone
Oxford City Community Drug Agency - Libra Project	01865 723500
Specialist Community Addictions Service (Oxfordshire County Council)	Oxford City Team: 01865 455623 Oxfordshire County Team: 01865 455614
Luther Street Centre (GP (doctor) service for homeless people and drug and alcohol users)	01865 726008
Ley Community (residential rehabilitation and aftercare)	01865 371777
Talk to Frank (straight up advice and information about drugs)	0800 77 66 00

Where can I safely get rid of my own/somebody else's needles and syringes?

The Oxford City Community Drug Agency - Libra Project run a needle exchange programme. Contact them using the details above for more information on getting rid of used needles.

Discarded needles and syringes can be a danger to everyone. You should contact us straight away if you find a discarded needle or syringe anywhere in Oxford. Visit our Needles and Syringes page for information.

Where can I find more information on drug related issues?

Visit the Drugs section of the NHS Direct website for more information on drugs and getting help with an addiction.

Visit the Drug Addiction section of the DirectGov website for more information on getting help with drug addictions.

Visit our Health Links page for useful links to other websites relating to health and medical advice in Oxford.

Page last reviewed 16 Apr 2008