Use of drugs and alcohol
We focus on minimizing risks from using drugs and alcohol by allowing you to make an informed decision about them. Find out what this means for you and how you can get support.
Harm reduction approach
You may choose to use drugs or drink alcohol while at university. If you do, we want to make sure you can make an informed decision. This includes supporting you and guiding you to helpful resources.
We will not punish you for discussing drug or alcohol use. Instead, we will offer support and signpost you to helpful resources.
Supply of illegal drugs or alcohol
Supplying illegal drugs or unlawful of alcohol is prohibited (banned). If you are involved in the supply of drugs:
- you may be disciplined by the University (PDF), and
- referred to the police.
Anti-social and criminal behaviour are not accepted. This will be addressed through the Student disciplinary regulations (PDF, 236kB).
Health risks
To learn about health risks associated with drug and alcohol use, visit:
- illegal drugs: FRANK website or Drugs and me
- alcohol: NHS website
Get support for drugs or drinking
At the University
If you are worried about someone you know or your own drinking or drug use, you can:
- request wellbeing support from us
- speak to your GP
- speak to external service
- Bristol SU
Other organisations
If you do not want to speak to someone at the university, you can reach out to any of these services:
Drugs
The Drop (by the Bristol Drugs Project):
Advice, support, referrals and drug testing kits for students. Sessions are held weekly, by appointment only. Contact the team at info@bdp.org.uk or call/text/Whatsapp +44(0)7814 617 687.
City Centre Drug Checking: The Loop
The Loop team, chemists and healthcare staff, complete drug testing in our mobile laboratory and provide harm reduction advice and consultations informed by the testing of submitted substances.
Alcohol
Drinkaware
Facts about drinking to help you make better choices
National Association for the Children of Alcoholics (NACOA)
Information, advice and support for anyone affected by a parent's drinking.
For both
Breaking Free Group
A clinically proven digital service using behavioural science to help you overcome substance misuse and smoking. Use access code BristolUni11.
Bristol Drugs Project:
A free and confidential service to help with drug and alcohol concerns.
Bristol ROADS (Recovery Oriented Alcohol and Drugs Service):
An organisation offering alcohol and drug recovery groups.
The Mix
Mental health, alcohol and drug support for under-25s.