Page 5 - Worried about someone's drug use? - DEN + ALDAF 2019
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How do I know if someone is How do I ask about someone’s
using alcohol or other drugs? drug use?
You may notice things that could indicate drug use, • Pick a time and place where everyone
such as: feels comfortable, safe, and calm.
• Mood swings or personality changes, • Try to be respectful – express your concern,
• Changes in sleeping patterns, but try not to judge or accuse.
• Changes in spending habits, • Ask the person if they are OK, if they are
• Increased risk taking, worried or stressed about something or Offering help
• Finding substances or items that could having trouble coping. This might let them You can offer to help them
be used to take drugs and; open up if they’re worried about their own find services, make appointments,
• Behaviour changes that don’t seem normal drug use. or go to the appointments with them.
and are worrying to you.
• If you’ve noticed something that worries See the back page for suggested
These could also indicate problems other than drug you, let them know gently:
places for help and support.
use, such as mental or physical health issues, so often
the best way is to ask them directly. ‘I’m worried about…’, ‘I noticed…’
They may choose not to answer, but you can let them
know that you care about them and that you want
them to be healthy and happy. What is my role? What can I do?
It is also important to respect that person’s privacy What should I expect?
and not look through their things without Get informed
permission. Knowing more about the issue can help you assess the Every situation is different. Some people will want to
situation and feel more prepared. Speaking to a local change their behaviour, and others will not be ready
alcohol and other drug (AOD) service, or speaking to yet or won’t want to stop or reduce at all.
your GP, are great places to start. See the back of the
brochure for suggested places for help and support. Some people use drugs and alcohol recreationally,
and take steps to keep safe. Some people may
How Offer support become dependent on the drug they’re using, and
Sometimes, the best support you
do I stop can offer is simply to listen, and need extra help to recover.
them from using be present. It is important to only Withdrawal and recovery from AOD dependence
is complicated with many people experiencing
offer support that you are willing
drugs? to give, and only if you can do relapse. Ensure you have the necessary backing
it while taking care of your own and energy to continue support. If you don’t, that’s
Trying to force someone to change wellbeing. OK. Find a safe referral option.
their behaviour or stop using drugs is Treatment services will be able to provide support for
often counterproductive. Offering Help them get help you and your family, and can answer questions you
support can help them Ask your person if they have asked for help before, and may have about drugs, withdrawal, and recovery.
take the right if they’re willing to try accessing help. They might not
know where to begin – that’s OK!
steps.