Alcohol, Drugs & Support

If you have concerns about alcohol or drugs, whether for yourself or a friend, there is information and support available from the University, the Guild and a range of external organisations. Whether you’re looking for advice, worried about someone or simply want to find out more, you can find helpful information and support here.

Student Support

Our Student Wellbeing Team offer a range of services to support your health and wellbeing while you're studying with us.

If you're concerned about your use of alcohol or drugs, or if it is affecting your mental health, studies, relationships or day-to-day life, you can speak to a member of the team. They can listen to your concerns, provide advice and help you find further support if you need it.

University Alcohol and Drugs Policy

The University's Alcohol and Drugs Policy sets out our expectations around alcohol and drugs and the University's approach to supporting students.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy 

River - Liverpool Drug and Alcohol Support Services
(Change Grow Live)

A free and confidential service for adults in Liverpool who are experiencing difficulties with substances.

River work alongside the University of Liverpool and can be found on the Guild walkway on the following dates:

  • 01/10/2026  13:00-15:00 
  • 29/10/2026 13:00-15:00 
  • 26/11/2026 13:00-15:00
  • 17/12/2026 13:00-15:00

Drug and alcohol support in Liverpool | Change Grow Live

If you're worried about a friend

If you're concerned about a friend who is drinking alcohol or using drugs, you don't have to deal with the situation on your own.

You can speak to the Student Wellbeing Team for advice about how to support them and where they can get help.

Liverpool Guild of Students

The Guild offers free and confidential advice to all University of Liverpool students.

If you have concerns about alcohol or drugs, your wellbeing or any other issue affecting you, the Guild can provide independent, non-judgemental support and signpost you to other services where appropriate.

Keeping safe

If you are concerned about your own or someone else's safety, it's important to get help.

If someone is seriously unwell after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, seek urgent medical help.

In an emergency

Call 999 if someone:

  • is unconscious or difficult to wake
  • is having difficulty breathing
  • is having a seizure
  • has severe chest pain
  • appears seriously unwell or their condition is getting worse

If you know what they have taken or drunk, tell the emergency services. This information can help them provide appropriate treatment.

NHS 111

For urgent medical advice and health information when you need help but it isn't an emergency.

SafeZone

If you are on campus and need immediate assistance, SafeZone allows you to contact Campus Support Services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

External advice and information about alcohol and drugs

There is a lot of information about alcohol and drugs available online and on social media. Some of it may be inaccurate or unreliable.

The organisations below provide information, advice and support relating to alcohol, drugs and their effects.

The Loop

The Loop provides information about drugs and drug-related risks, as well as drug-checking and other services. The Loop

River - Liverpool Drug and Alcohol Support Services (Change Grow Live)

A free and confidential service for adults in Liverpool who are experiencing difficulties with substances. Drug and alcohol support in Liverpool | Change Grow Live

NHS Livewell

If you need support

You don't have to wait until something becomes a crisis before asking for help.

Whether you're worried about yourself, concerned about a friend or simply want some information, we're here to help.