Accessing support for yourself
It’s okay to ask for help too.
The effects of addiction can be far reaching, and impact more than the person using alcohol or other drugs. Watching a loved one struggle with addiction and coping with their changing behaviour can be challenging.
Getting support could simply involve telling a friend or other family member about your concerns. There may already be people in your life who can listen and offer a helping hand.
As well as family and friends, there are people in your community who can offer support, such as your general practitioner, religious and community leaders, school and workplace counsellors.
Many people feel a great sense of relief when they seek support, so why not speak to someone today.
Counselling for family and friends
You might also want to start by chatting online or via email with one of our counsellors. They can talk through any concerns you have, and refer you to local services.
If the person with an addiction is ready to get assistance you can help them get a referral to a counsellor and you may even attend with them. Alternatively, you can start off having counselling yourself and then offer them the opportunity to join you.
There are also specialised services such as Family Drug Helpline (Victoria), or Family Drug Support (Nationwide) which can provide valuable information, advice and support to friends and family members of anyone affected by addiction. These are free to access and can be contacted 24/7.
Connect with others
It can feel isolating if someone you care about is experiencing alcohol or other drug problems. You might find it beneficial to reach out to others who are going through the same experience as you. Our Family and Friends forum is a place to share experiences and offer advice. Even if you’re not ready to participate in the conversation, reading about other people’s experiences may help you feel like you aren’t alone.
What can I do next?
Read more about supporting a family member or friend with addiction:
- Understanding addiction
- Signs of a problem
- Family and Friends forum
- Blog – Loved ones can also find it tough
Counselling Online provides free and confidential support to family and friends of a person affected by alcohol and/or drug use. If you would like to know more about the service – take a look through finding support.
