Help for Friends and Family Affected by Drugs or Alcohol
If someone you care about is using drugs or alcohol, you are not alone. Many people go through this, and help is available.
What is Substance Use?
Substance use means using drugs or alcohol. It becomes a problem when it starts affecting someone’s life—at home, at work, or with friends
Signs to Look Out For
Changes in Behaviour:
- • Hiding what they are doing
- • New friends you don’t know
- • Losing interest in things they used to enjoy
- • Taking big risks, like driving and drinking
Changes in the Body:
- • Looking tired or sick a lot
- • Red eyes or strange-looking pupils
- • Not caring about how they look
- • Smelling of alcohol or drugs
Changes in Feelings:
- • Big mood swings
- • Angry, anxious or very happy and then very sad
- • Acting differently than usual
Changes at Home or Work:
- • Arguing more
- • Doing worse at work
- • Getting into trouble with the law
When Use Becomes a Bigger Problem
Here are signs that drug or alcohol use is getting worse:
- • Using more and more over time
- • Needing it to get through the day
- • Trying to stop but not being able to
- • Letting responsibilities slip
How It Affects You and Your Family
You may feel:
- Guilty: Wondering if you could have stopped it
- Angry: Because of broken promises or hurtful actions
- Helpless: Not knowing how to help
- Afraid: Worried about their safety
- Sad: Feeling like you’re losing the person you care about
These feelings are normal. It is important to talk to someone and take care of yourself too.
How We Can Help
If you’re struggling, we offer support through counselling. You don’t have to wait for your loved one to get help first.
We help you with:
- • Talking calmly: Learn how to talk in a kind and helpful way
- • Setting boundaries: Say what’s okay and what’s not
- • Supporting change: Help your loved one want to get better
- • Looking after yourself: Learn ways to manage stress and emotions
The CRAFT Group
We run a group where you can:
• Learn skills
• Talk to others in a similar situation
• Share stories and get support
The group meets online for eight sessions. Each one helps you learn how to support someone better.
Other Support
We also offer help by phone for families of people who are in treatment or recovery. Our workers have been through similar things and know what you’re going through.
Contact Us
Need support? We’re here to help.
Call: 01246 206514
Email: info@derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk
Fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
For further details, guidance, and support, please see the Resources & Tools Page.