Drugs & Alcohol
Being a student might mean that some of you will experience smoking, drugs and alcohol regularly or with excess.
There can be a downside, and for some people, this use can become problematic and lead to unwanted consequences in their lives and studies.
Substance Misuse
Substance misuse means using drugs or alcohol in ways that can harm your health, interfere with your studies, or affect your relationships and daily life. It might involve using substances to deal with stress, taking more than intended, or using them in risky situations.
It doesn’t always mean addiction—misuse can happen even occasionally if it’s impacting your well-being. Recognising the signs and knowing how to get support is key to staying healthy and helping others do the same.
Confidential drop-in clinics on campus
RESET run free, confidential drop-in clinics last Tuesday of the month. They provide support and information to students who are using any substance, including alcohol, opiates, stimulants, cannabis and new psychoactive drugs, generating a variety of different services to support individual needs.
RESET will help answers and provide support on frequently asked questions such as;
- What are the signs of alcohol or drug dependency?
- How can I manage my drinking habits while at university?
- What are the risks of mixing alcohol with drugs?
- How do I know if my recreational drug use is becoming harmful?
Upcoming Clinic Dates:
Tuesday 29th April 2-4 pm
Tuesday 27th May 2025: 2-4 pm
--- Summer break ---
Welcome week stall: Date TBC
Tuesday 30th September 2025: 2-4 pm
Tuesday 28th October 2025: 2-4 pm
Tuesday 25th November 2025: 2-4 pm
Tuesday 9th December 2025: 2-4 pm
Tuesday 27th January 2026: 2-4 pm
Tuesday 24th February 2026: 2-4 pm
Tuesday 31st March 2026: 2-4 pm
Tuesday 14th April 2026: 2-4 pm
NHS Support - Student Health Service
Realising you have a problem with alcohol is the first big step to getting help. You may need help if:
- you often feel the need to have a drink
- you get into trouble because of your drinking
- other people warn you about how much you're drinking
- you think your drinking is causing you problems
Your GP may suggest different types of assessment and support options available to you, such as from local community alcohol services. You can also ask about free local support groups and other alcohol counselling.
Find alcohol addiction support services in your area
If drugs misuse is affecting your wellbeing, your GP can help. They can discuss your health with you and help get you treatment. They will usually refer you to your local drug service. If you're not comfortable talking to a GP, you can approach your local drug treatment service yourself.
Visit the Frank website to find support near you.
The Student Health Service is an NHS GP service provided by Suttons Wharf Health Centre at our Mile End campus. Students living in Queen Mary accommodation at Mile End or Whitechapel and students living in the borough of Tower Hamlets (postcodes E1, E2, E3 and E14) are encouraged to register with the Student Health Service.
If you do not live locally and would like to register with a GP where you live, you can search for a GP surgery. GP surgeries will normally register all international students. You can find information about how to access healthcare as a UK or international student.
24/7 Support
As a Queen Mary student you have free access to a 24/7 helpline, as well as an app - called Wisdom – that offers a range of resources to support your wellbeing.
The wisdom app is an app that helps you look after your mental and physical health. It has tools to help you monitor your relationship to alcohol, alongside other health features such as:
- Interactive health and mood tracker – Identify patterns and trends to improve your wellbeing
- Four-week health plans – Set goals and track your daily progress
- Mini mental health checks – Assess how you’re doing and check in with yourself
- Live chat – Connect with a dedicated wellbeing counsellor by chat or video
Download the Wisdom app and enter the code MHA151109 for free access:
👉 Wisdom – Apple App Store
👉 Wisdom – Google Play Store
Need help now?
Call the 24/7 support line on 0800 028 3766 anytime, day or night.
Queen Mary also offers students access to an online support platform called Togetherall. Togetherall is a free, anonymous peer support service where you can talk to others about what’s on your mind. It also includes self-help courses and self-assessment tools to reflect on and manage your drinking habits, along with other wellbeing topics.
👉 Join Togetherall – just sign up using your Queen Mary email address.
Self-Help Resources
Talk to Frank offers honest information about alcohol, practical tips, and guidance on where to find support.
If you need to talk, you can contact FRANK any time—24/7—at 0300 123 6600 for confidential advice. You can also reach out to FRANK via email, text, or live chat. Prefer speaking to someone in person? Use their website to find local support services near you.
Alcohol Change UK offers information, practical tools, and support to help people cut down or stop drinking. They link individuals to relevant support services and provide advice and resources for families and friends impacted by someone else’s drinking.
What Support is Available for Spiking?
If you think you have been spiked, support is available. Our spiking support page offers information about your options.
Report + Support
https://reportandsupport.qmul.ac.uk/support/what-should-i-do-if-i-think-someone-has-been-spiked
Victim support