It’s Not Weakness. It’s a Signal.

Addiction is not a failure. It’s not about willpower. It’s often a sign that something deeper is going on—pain, stress, loneliness, or trauma that hasn’t had a voice.

For many men, reaching for alcohol, drugs, or other addictive behaviours feels like the only way to cope. But you’re not alone, and there is another way forward.

Why Men? Why Addiction?

Men face unique pressures:

  • “Be strong. Don’t talk about it.”
    Society often teaches men to bottle things up rather than reach out.

  • “Success means everything.”
    Financial stress, career pressure, and the weight of responsibility can push men toward unhealthy coping mechanisms.

  • “Don’t feel. Don’t cry.”
    Emotions like sadness, fear, or anxiety can come out as anger, withdrawal, or substance use instead.

 

What Addiction Can Look Like

Addiction isn’t always obvious. It might look like:

  • Drinking more than you want to, more often than you’d planned.

  • Relying on substances to relax, sleep, or feel “normal.”

  • Gambling, gaming, or porn use that feels out of control.

  • Using drugs to escape or numb out.

  • Secretive behaviour or guilt about your habits.

 

The Mental Health Connection

Addiction rarely stands alone. It often goes hand-in-hand with:

  • Depression – feeling empty, angry, or just “numb.”

  • Anxiety – always on edge or overwhelmed.

  • Trauma – from childhood, military service, or other life events.

  • Loneliness – even when you’re surrounded by people.

It’s not just about stopping the addiction—it’s about healing what’s underneath.

📞 Talk to Someone Now

Frank

Website: www.talktofrank.com
Phone: 0300 123 6600 (24/7)
Frank offers honest information about drugs and addiction, and a free, confidential helpline for support. Perfect for men who want to understand what they’re dealing with or just need someone to talk to.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) UK

Website: www.ukna.org
Helpline: 0300 999 1212
Peer-led support groups for anyone recovering from drug addiction. NA offers face-to-face and online meetings all across the UK.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Website: www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 9177 650
AA supports people who want to stop drinking, with a focus on community and shared experience. Meetings are available in person, online, or over the phone.

💬 Counselling & Recovery Help

Turning Point

Website: www.turning-point.co.uk
Provides drug and alcohol recovery services, mental health support, and crisis care. Services vary by location but often include one-to-one counselling, group therapy, and peer support.

We Are With You (formerly Addaction)

Website: www.wearewithyou.org.uk
Offers free, confidential support with alcohol, drugs, and mental health in many local areas across the UK—tailored for men, young people, and families.

Mind

Website: www.mind.org.uk
While not addiction-specific, Mind offers excellent mental health support—including how mental health and addiction often overlap.

💻 Online Help & Self-Guided Support

SMART Recovery UK

Website: www.smartrecovery.org.uk
A science-based programme to help people manage their own recovery from any type of addictive behaviour. Offers both group meetings and online resources.

Men’s Health Forum

Website: www.menshealthforum.org.uk
Provides health information specifically for men, including addiction, mental health, and stress management. They also run a confidential Live Chat service.

👥 Not Sure Where to Start?

Your GP (doctor) can refer you to local addiction and mental health services, including NHS counselling and treatment programmes.

You can also find additional help and advice on our helpline pages.