Drugs and alcohol
This section explains the University’s approach to students using drugs and alcohol, where to access information and support and details about disciplinary processes.
We’re a ‘harm reduction’ University
We don’t condone the use of illegal drugs or the misuse of prescription drugs or alcohol at the University of Leeds. But we understand that some students may choose to take drugs or drink alcohol during their time at Leeds.
Our harm reduction stance means we’re committed to reducing harm by offering the resources, education, specialist support, and advice you need to stay safe, make informed choices, and succeed – at Leeds and in your future.
Support
Whether you need help for yourself or a friend, have questions about drugs and alcohol, or want to get advice from an expert, there’s lots of support available on campus and in Leeds. They include:
- confidential specialist support
- safe space sessions with other students
- sober social activities
- mental health and wellbeing support.
Help in an emergency
If you or someone else are in danger, including an overdose, act fast and get help immediately.
On campus or in University accommodation: phone University Security Services: +44(0)113 343 2222. They are available 24 hours a day to help and will work with other emergency services to get you help quickly.
Off campus: if your emergency is not on campus, call 999.
Other ways to get help
Explore other ways to get help including for health crises, helplines, and mental health crises.
Specialist support on campus
If you’re concerned about your own drinking or drug use, or another student’s, there’s free confidential advice and support available for you on campus.
Forward Leeds on campus
Forward Leeds provides judgement-free drug and alcohol support to people in Leeds. You can get free, independent, specialist advice from them at their weekly substance and alcohol drop-in sessions in LUU – no appointment needed.
Forward Leeds also offers recovery-focused events and activities on campus including weekly recovery drop-in sessions plus sober socials and recovery groups for students at Leeds.
Student Counselling and Wellbeing
The Student Counselling and Wellbeing team offer free, confidential support to all students at Leeds. The service is a multi-professional team of Counsellors, Wellbeing Practitioners and Mental Health Advisors who can help you if you feel that substance use is affecting your mental health or wellbeing.
Leeds University Union Help and Support
LUU Help and Support are a confidential service, independent from the University. They often work with University services like Student Counselling and Wellbeing, as well as external services like Forward Leeds, to get you the support you need.
Harassment and Misconduct team
You can contact the University’s Harassment and Misconduct team if you have been affected by violence, abuse, bullying, harassment or discrimination. This includes any incidents of alcohol or drug-related violence, including drink and needle spiking. The specialist team offer confidential support and information to help you choose what next step feels right for you.
Residence Life Wardens
If you live in University accommodation and feel you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, you can speak to your Residence Life Warden. They can help connect you to support. Residence Life Wardens will respect your confidentiality and seeking help won't get you into trouble or lead to any punishment.
Faculty and school support
If you’re not sure what support you need or what rules might apply to you, your student support officer in your school or faculty can help. Check your school or faculty Minerva organisation for contact details.
External support and information
If you’d prefer to get support outside of the University, there are plenty of local and national organisations you can connect with.
Forward Leeds
Forward Leeds offers free, confidential alcohol and drug support for people in Leeds. They have an experienced and professional team that focuses on helping people choose not to misuse alcohol and drugs, and reduce risk-taking behaviour through dedicated prevention, intervention and support. Forward Leeds works closely with the University and LUU to provide regular drop-in appointments on campus too.
Phone Forward Leeds: 0113 887 2477
Email Forward Leeds: info@forwardleeds.co.uk
FRANK
FRANK offers confidential advice and honest information about drugs. You can get in touch to ask a question or for advice by phone, text, or email.
Phone FRANK: 0300 123 6600
Text: 82111
Email FRANK: frank@talktofrank.com
Narcotics Anonymous
Narcotics Anonymous offers peer support to anyone who has a problem with drugs. Members support each other to get and stay clean. They can be contacted by phone and there are meetings held regularly in Leeds and online.
Phone Narcotics Anonymous: 0300 999 1212
Alcoholics Anonymous
Alcoholics Anonymous offers peer support to anyone in the UK who wants help with their own drinking problem. Alcoholics Anonymous can be contacted by phone or email, and there are local groups who meet in Leeds.
Phone Alcoholics Anonymous: 0800 917 7650
Email Alcoholic Anonymous: help@aamail.org
Alcohol Change
Alcohol Change is a UK charity that focuses on reducing alcohol harm. Their website offers support, interactive tools, tips, and education to understand and manage your drinking.
Drinkline
Drinkline is a free, confidential helpline for people who are concerned about their drinking or someone else’s.
Phone Drinkline: 0300 123 1110
Drinkaware
Drinkaware offers education, resources, and support to help you reduce or stop drinking, support others, understand the effects of drinking, and more.
Alcohol-free social activities
Wondering where you can socialise away from alcohol?
- Crossroads: LUU’s student entertainment lounge has gaming computers, board games, cards and comics, and a cosy reading area.
- Alcohol-free events: Use the ‘alcohol-free’ filter on LUU Engage to find upcoming events. Whether you want to join in with one of our 350+ clubs and societies or take part in a wellbeing activity, there’s something for everyone.
- Global Café: Drop by Common Ground café every Monday evening for a chance to connect with other students and postgraduate researchers from around the world. You’ll meet new people and enjoy great conversation with free refreshments!
Tips and advice
Living the ‘high’ life? 4 things you should know about weed
Cannabis is the most popular illegal drug, but is it really ‘just a joint’? Whilst it’s commonly perceived as a ‘safer’ alternative compared to other recreational drugs, long-term cannabis use can cause some nasty side effects and lead to addiction. Continue reading ‘Living the ‘high’ life? 4 things you should know about weed’.
Banish the booze blues: 4 tips to take control of your drinking
Have you ever skipped class or cancelled plans because of a hangover? Got so drunk you forgot your night out? Lost control and said or did something you regret? Try out these simple tips to help you stay in control on a night out. Continue reading ‘Banish the booze blues: 4 tips to take control of your drinking’.
Is there a safe way to do drugs?
It’s no secret that some students will choose to take drugs while at university. Whilst the only way to stay safe around drugs is not to take them, if you or your mates decide to do drugs, there are steps you can take to reduce the risks. Continue reading ‘Is there a safe way to do drugs?’
University policy and disciplinary action
Remember, the possession and use of illegal drugs is against the law, and the University has a legal responsibility to protect the welfare of our students and staff to ensure that its premises (including University accommodation) are not used for illegal drug activity.
It is important that you understand our policy regarding illegal drugs to maintain a secure and healthy community. Read the University drug including alcohol policy (PDF, 171KB).
Any student involved in antisocial or criminal behaviour, including using or supplying illegal drugs, will face disciplinary action from the University. You also may be referred to the West Yorkshire Police.
A drug conviction, or even a caution, could get you expelled from the University and seriously restrict your eligibility for certain careers.
- When you sign up to the Student Contract, you agree to abide by the student regulations and rules for taught students. This includes alcohol, drug and substance abuse.
- When you accept your accommodation contract you agree to follow the terms and conditions of living in University accommodation. This includes disciplinary regulations around the use of illegal drugs.
- Many professional bodies (like the NHS) have their own conduct requirements around drugs and alcohol. These requirements may apply to you if you’re on a course with a professional accreditation. If you’re not sure what conduct requirements apply to you, check with your Faculty or School. You can speak to the LUU Help and Support first, if you prefer.
- Read a joint commitment to harm reduction, from the University of Leeds and Leeds University Union (PDF, 65KB). LUU has also adopted a harm reduction approach. Find out about LUU policies related to drugs and alcohol.