Talk to FRANK is a campaign which offers advice and information regarding drugs (specifically class A drugs) and helps people understand the harmful affects of drugs. FRANK does not refer to a particular person; it acts as the brand name for national Drugs Helpline (UK). The word FRANK is used as it makes the help-line sound more friendly and approachable. The individual seeking help would feel as if he is discussing his personal problems with his best friend who would try his best to help him (TalktoFrank, 2002).
FRANK would appear to individuals seeking help as an easily approachable, well-informed and honest friend, who would strictly maintain their confidentiality. The FRANK campaign aims to help parents as well as young people, both those who want to stop their drug habit and those who those who are thinking about trying drugs for the first time. The help from FRANK can be assessed both through their website (www. talktofrank. com) and through their telephone helpline (0800 77 66 00).
FRANK carries out massive advertising campaigns through advertisements in television and radios, press releases in news paper and magazines, demonstration through posters etc at public places, bars, clubs, schools, colleges, offices etc. Thus this campaign ensures that youth and their parents know exactly where to look for help in case they are seeking help related to substance use disorders. This campaign has become a trusted source of help and information in the UK (talktofrank, 2002).
Though alcohol can also be categorized as a drug due its potential to produce addiction and dependence, it has not been included under the classification of controlled substances in UK. There are two main self help groups supporting the alcoholics and their families in the UK, namely the alcohol anonymous and Al-Anon. Al-anon is an association comprising of families and relatives of those individuals whose life has been, affected by someone else’s drinking problem.
Its method of functioning is similar to that of families anonymous. On the other hand alcohol Anonymous is a self-help group run by recovering alcoholics. It is an association of men and woman who want to give up their problem of alcohol addiction. They share their experiences thoughts and views with each other and help them give up their problem b y providing likely solution by sharing their experiences.