Call our Helpline
Scottish Families’ helpline advisers are here to support you if you are concerned about someone else’s alcohol or drug use. We can chat, offer advice and information, and link you either into our services or services local to you.
Email: helpline@sfad.org.uk
Chat on our online live help on our website
Or fill out a form here.
We understand that making the first call can be difficult; it may even be the first time you have spoken to another person about what’s going on. Our advisers are here to listen for as long as you need them to. If you are not comfortable speaking over the phone with someone, we also have a helpline email and a webchat service.
Our helpline hours on weekdays are between 9 am and 11 pm. We run an out of hour’s weekend helpline service where if you leave a message, someone will get back to you within 48 hours.
If you call outside of helpline hours you can leave a voicemail message with your name, phone number (including area code) and a time that is suitable for us to call. We will only call from the helpline number 08080 10 10 11.
Confidentiality
We keep statistics of our helpline calls to have a better understanding of where people are calling from and where they find out about us. We ask for your age and location but will not take any personal details unless you are being referred into one of our services.
For full information on your privacy please read our Support Service Policy Notice.
‘I contacted your helpline in October when I was at my wits end with worry about my daughter’s heroin use and my son’s Valium use. I had already lost a son to suicide who wasn’t using drugs and could see my other children going the same way. From the minute I spoke to you I knew I was in the right place to get the help I needed. You gave me information on so many local places where I could go, and I had no idea they were here. Since I first spoke with you, I have spoken with you on the phone another three times and via your webchat (this is a great support when I’m hysterically crying and couldn’t speak to anybody!) You talked me through the tough times. I regularly come back to your website and look through the self-help guides. It’s so easy to navigate my way through. I now know I can pop into the local recovery events. I think the fact that I am calmer has had a positive influence on my kids and they are doing better. I popped online today to have a look around as it feels like home and thought I would send you a thank you for all that you have done for me, and I am sure what you do for families across Scotland. Although things are not perfect, I am happier and less anxious, and that is a true blessing. Thank you.’ – Michelle (name change)
Have you used our helpline?
If you have used the helpline, we’d really appreciate your feedback. Click here to fill out our feedback form.