Family CareGiverS

Caring for your relative or friend

If you’re in a family that is caring for someone who uses substances and whose health is poor, this website is for you.

• Many families include at least one person who uses alcohol and other drugs and may experience problems relating to their use.
• Many people who use substances change their use for the better, or stop altogether. But some do not and may develop serious health conditions.
• This affects not only the person who is drinking or using other drugs: it can cause huge stress for the rest of the family.
• Many families try to cope with this on their own – perhaps because they don’t know where to get help, feel ashamed, or have tried to get help before but had poor experiences.

We want you to know that:

• You are not alone and there is no shame in caring for someone who uses substances.
• Everyone deserves good healthcare without being stigmatised or disrespected.
• If you are concerned about your friend’s or relative’s substance use, you can get advice from a drug/alcohol service – even if your friend or relative says there is nothing to worry about.
• Getting help for yourself is important and is also likely to help your relative’s wellbeing.
• If you don’t get the right help in your first attempt, please keep trying other options.