This is a free service and Release is a small campaigning charity. If you have benefited from this service and would like to help us continue to offer it free of charge, please make a donation today.

Legal Helpline

The legal helpline is staffed by qualified lawyers, paralegals and trained volunteers, who will provide information and advice to the public and professionals. Legal advice is provided on criminal matters; drugs classification; anti social behaviour orders; legal issues pertinent to drugs users such as travelling with prescribed controlled drugs, the impact of criminal convictions and cautions, drug use and its impact on driving requirements. Advice can also be provided on other legal issues — if the legal team cannot assist you with your enquiry, they will provide details of other services that can.

Representation is not a service offered through the helpline although in some cases where there are issues of public law arising, Release will be able to refer you to lawyers who specialise in this area.

Drugs Helpline

Our drug services are managed and run by a team of specialist advisors assisted by trained volunteers.

The drugs team provides help, advice, information, support and referral to people affected directly and indirectly by drug use.

We are here to help you. You will be listened to and we will always do our best to give you the appropriate amount of time and most relevant advice for your individual enquiry.

Your inquiry will be dealt with by someone who understands the issues facing drug users and their family and friends, so you need not feel alone in this. We can link you up with different types of support groups and if you are having difficulty getting treatment, we can help liaise with your local service or GP.

We provide essential support for professionals and for members of the public who may feel isolated and anxious about a drug-related problem.

Our aim is to allow people to make informed decisions with confidence.

The drugs team provides support and advice on a range of issues including advice on the effects on drugs; harm reduction; matters involving drug dependency; different types of treatment including maintenance prescribing and abstinence.

The drugs team is headed up by one of the UK’s leading experts on all issues relating to heroin use.

Call NOW: 0845 4500 215

Web services

Both the legal team and drugs team can provide advice via email enquiries. The same advice provided on the helpline is provided through ask@release.org.uk

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