A NEW drug and alcohol service has been launched.

The Brighton and Hove Recovery Service by Change Grow Live started on Wednesday and will provide specialist support to the city’s residents who are substance dependent.

A spokesman said: “We will design the support and treatment to help you achieve your goals.

“We’re working alongside the Oasis project who offer support to women and families.

“We’re also working with Lloyds Pharmacy and Cascade Creative Recovery.”

The service will include advice on keeping safe and access to substitute medication.

People will also have access to community detox, which helps them escape from alcohol and drug addiction through integrated medical and spiritual community support.

Users will also be given referrals to residential detox and rehabilitation, emotional support and counselling and access to Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.

The service can also offer housing support, education, training and employment advice.

The spokesman added: “We will also be providing community outreach work, health promotion and training courses.

“If you’re already attending a service in the area, don’t worry.

“We’re working with current staff and GPs, pharmacies and hospitals.

“We’re doing this to ensure your treatment isn’t disrupted.

“Please get in touch if you’d like to find out more about how we can help you.”

It comes as council funding to help recovering drug addicts and drinkers has been slashed by hundreds of thousands of pounds.

Brighton and Hove City Council made a £340,000 cut despite a report by the Health and Wellbeing Board in January last year which estimated that substance misuse was costing the city £107 million.

The new service is currently being affected by the Covid-19 crisis.

While it is now formally in place, face-to-face services will not begin until restrictions on social distancing are lifted.

Appointments and support will be provided on the phone or by the online team.