Addiction Support Services

Below is a list of services that you can reach out to anytime, however if you are not ready chat to us first and we can hold your hand until you are ready.

Addiction NI

Description: Charity providing counselling, group work, tailored treatment programmes for adults (18+) and older people (55+).
Tel: 028 9066 4434
Email: enquiries@addictionni.com gamcare.org.uk +15addictionni.com +15extern.org +15

Extern – Step 2 Service (Northern Trust)

Description: Open-referral service offering alcohol and drug (including injecting/non‑injecting) support; self-referral accepted.
Tel: 028 2565 4012
Email: asmreferrals@extern.org

Dunlewey Addiction Services

Description: Specialist free counselling/support for alcohol, drugs, gambling across N. & S. Ireland (7 days, 9 am–11 pm).
Tel: 028 9039 2547 or 08000 886 725
Email: admin@dunlewey.org

GamCare – NI Young People’s Service

Description: Free 24/7 support, advice, live chat for under‑18s affected by gambling, plus resources for families.
Tel: 0808 8020 133
Email: YoungPeopleService@gamcare.org.uk

Davina’s Ark (Addiction Support, Newry)

Description: Client-centred support for alcohol, drug, behavioural addictions in Newry area.
Tel: 028 3027 9407
Email: info@davinasark.org.uk

Cuan Mhuire (Newry Residential)

Description: Residential rehab (alcohol, gambling, drugs) and aftercare in Newry.
Tel: 028 3084 9010
Email: newry@cuanmhuire.ie

Community Needle & Syringe Exchange (Extern)

Description: Confidential free sterile injecting equipment and health advice via Extern.
Tel: 028 9084 0555
Email: info@extern.org.uk

Narcotics Anonymous (Northern Ireland)

Description: Weekly peer-support group meetings across NI for recovery from drug addiction.
Tel: Info via local groups (see Drugs & Alcohol NI directory)
Email: https://na-northernireland.org

Problem Gambling Service – Dunlewey

Description: Free, confidential counselling and support for adults and families affected by gambling.
Tel: 08000 886 725
Email: (use Dunlewey central email above)

Think Drink 55 Plus – Addiction NI

Description: Counselling and phone/home-support for individuals aged 55+ concerned about alcohol use.
Tel: 028 9066 4434
Website: enquiries@addictionni.com

Cocaine Anonymous Ireland

Description: Cocaine Anonymous is a Fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other that they may solve their common problem and help others recover from their addiction.
Website: https://www.caireland.live

Gamblers Anon

Description: However gambling is making you feel right now, we can help. We offer free advice, tools and support to help keep people safe from gambling harms.
Website: https://www.gambleaware.org/tools-and-support/support-in-your-area/service-finder-results/gamblers-anonymous/?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=22658700227&gclid=CjwKCAjwprjDBhBTEiwA1m1d0tz90kgHzpFi4YMPbk4GNoL1cn-W8rbd-DzvzHeYvffARFq0OLo_zxoCH5oQAvD_BwE

Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much

Alcohol Harm in Northern Ireland: A Growing Crisis

Alcohol misuse remains a widespread problem across Northern Ireland, costing the public nearly £900 million annually. Tragically, alcohol-specific deaths have risen sharply, with 2019 marking one of the worst years on record. That year alone, 336 alcohol-specific deaths were recorded — a 35% increase compared to 2009.

In 2019, Northern Ireland had its highest rate of alcohol-specific deaths (18.8 per 100,000), with men particularly affected: 24.2 deaths per 100,000 males — a 42% rise since 2001. Women also saw a dramatic increase, with the highest UK rate (13.6 per 100,000).

The Health Survey NI (2019/20) shows that 77% of adults drink alcohol; half drink weekly. Of those, 8% consumed over 14 units on their heaviest drinking day. Among men, 26% exceeded weekly limits, 19% drank 3+ days/week, and 20% had over 14 units in one day. For women, 9% exceeded limits, and 4% had over 14 units on their heaviest day.

The highest alcohol-specific death rates were seen in adults aged 45–64, making up nearly 60–69% of all such deaths annually.

While market forces influence drinking trends, Northern Ireland’s post-conflict trauma also plays a role. A 2011 report found that 39% of people had experienced conflict-related trauma; among them, 53% had a mental health disorder at some point, and 19.5% reported harmful alcohol use — nearly three times higher than those without trauma.

Despite the scale of the crisis, political leadership on this issue has been limited. The devolved administration was inactive for nearly three years, and neither major party initially sought the health portfolio. In 2020, Health Minister Robin Swann acknowledged that alcohol and drug misuse is one of Northern Ireland’s most serious public health issues.

A new strategy, “Making Life Better”, is expected to tackle substance use, including a potential public consultation on minimum unit pricing for alcohol. While implementation in Northern Ireland has stalled, the Republic of Ireland is moving forward, joining Scotland and Wales in addressing alcohol harm through pricing policy.

Without urgent, coordinated action, alcohol will continue to claim lives and strain health services across Northern Ireland.