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Discover Your Way Some Stats Aims Q&A Alcohol Awareness Drug Awareness Chemsex Awareness Little Book of Chemsex... Slam Packs by Post Partners Find Out More News and UpdatesDiscovery, Resilience, Acceptance, Growth
Supporting LGBTQ+ people in Calderdale and Kirklees affected by substance use, alcohol, and chemsex.
Working together Brunswick, Change Grow Live (CGL) and Calderdale Recovery Steps are promoting awareness, harm reduction, and improved treatment access for LGBTQ+ people.
Discover Your Way
The DRAG Project – Discovery, Resilience, Acceptance, Growth – is a partnership initiative aimed at supporting LGBTQ+ individuals in Calderdale and Kirklees who are impacted by substance use, alcohol, and chemsex.
Recovery is a deeply personal journey. DRAG helps people find a path that suits them, whether that means redefining their relationship with alcohol and drugs or finding their own route to recovery.
There is no single ‘right’ way to recover. DRAG provides a range of tools and approaches, allowing each person to explore options that reflect their needs and experiences.
For those seeking support or simply wanting to learn more, the DRAG Project offers a way to build resilience, foster acceptance, and achieve lasting personal growth.
Some Stats!
- 70 per cent of LGBTQ+ drinkers engage in binge drinking, compared to 62 per cent of non-LGBTQ+ adult drinkers.
- LGBTQ+ drinkers are more likely to report drinking alone at home in the last 12 months than non-LGBTQ+ drinkers, 63 per cent compared with 57 per cent.
- Bisexual people report a 37 per cent rate of drug use, while gay and lesbian people report 25 per cent, compared with 10.5 per cent among heterosexual people.
- A 2021 study reported that 32.8 per cent of MSM in the UK had engaged in chemsex, the highest proportion in Europe.
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Working together to:
- raise awareness,
- promote harm reduction, and
- improve access to treatment services.
DRAG Q&A
John McKernaghan, Chief Officer with Brunswick chats about the project with Cheryl Blacker from CGL and Anne Glew from Brunswick.
Alcohol Awareness
Recent research highlights significant disparities in alcohol use among LGBTQ+ individuals in the UK compared to the general population. Factors such as socialisation in alcohol-focused LGBTQ+ spaces and experiences of discrimination contribute to these elevated rates.
If you’re worried about your drinking and want to make some positive changes, we’re here to help. Cutting down or quitting alcohol can help you to be happier, safer and healthier.
Everyone’s experience of alcohol problems is different. The right treatment for you will depend on your experiences and your current situation
Drug Awareness
Drug use is significantly higher in LGBTQ+ populations. Among LGBTQ+ communities, substances such as cocaine, cannabis, and party drugs are most common. The higher prevalence is linked to minority stress, stigma and coping mechanisms.
Everyone’s recovery from drug use or addiction is different. The best course of treatment for you will depend on your experiences and your situation.
Chemsex Awareness
Chemsex means sexual activity, mostly between men, while under the influence of drugs.
People take part in chemsex for different reasons. Some may do so to feel less inhibited or to enhance pleasure. For others, it may be linked to stigma, self-esteem or confidence.
There may be individuals who are not men who have sex with men who use drugs as part of their sex lives, but the term chemsex refers to a practice with a specific history and culture.
Little Book of Chemsex...
Calderdale Recovery Steps has produced a Little Book of Chemsex with lots of useful information.
- (DOWNLOAD) Little Book of Chemsex
Slam Packs by Post
This is a strictly confidential service; packs are posted in plain and discreet packaging and we will not store or share your details.
Just text ‘SLAM’ to 07874 643429 with the address you would like them sent to.
Our Partners
Change Grow Live is a nationwide charity that supports tens of thousands of people every day to make positive changes in their lives.
Their work includes support around drug and alcohol use, mental health, housing, criminal justice, domestic abuse and wider wellbeing. They provide practical, non-judgemental help that meets people where they are, helping them build confidence, stay safer and move towards healthier, more stable lives
Find out more
Calderdale Recovery Steps is a local partnership between two specialist organisations, working together to support people affected by drug and alcohol use.
Waythrough provides recovery treatment interventions, prescribing and clinical support, helping people access the right care at the right time. The Basement Recovery Project provides therapeutic recovery services, offering practical and emotional support to help people build confidence, strengthen recovery and move forward in their lives.
Find Out More
If you want to make a change, support is available. Get in touch with Calderdale Recovery Steps, Change Grow Live or Brunswick to find out more.
News & Updates
Information on additional resources, other news and activities etc can be found below...
Kirklees Healthier Drinking Habits
Are you concerned about how much you’ve been drinking lately?
No matter the situation, help is available.
>>> Visit healthierdrinkinghabits.co.uk
