Friends and family help

When someone you care about has problems with drink or drugs, you’ll want to do all you can to help. There’s free, confidential support for you locally – and this section of the website explains how you can find it. You’ll also find suggestions on how to get through this difficult time.

Finding support in your area

The service you use to help your friend or family member will depend on where they live in Kent, and on their age. Follow the link that’s relevant to you.

Get support

If your friend or family member doesn’t know you are asking for help, it’s important you get support until they’re ready – so contact the relevant service through one of the links above, and explain the situation.

Looking after yourself

Helping someone close to you with drink or drug problems means focusing on their wellbeing – but don’t forget about your own. It’s really important to stay healthy and happy yourself, so you’re able to keep giving your support.

Make sure you have someone to talk to about your concerns – there’s local support for families and friends, as well as for the person with the problem. Also, look after yourself generally, sleeping and eating well, and saving time for yourself every day.

Talking to someone about their drinking or drug use

It can be hard to know what to say to someone who has alcohol or drug problems, especially when they’re close to you. Find the right moment, when you think they’re open to a chat, and begin by explaining your concerns. Listen to their responses without judging, and stay as calm as possible. If they become defensive or angry, be ready to back off and leave it for another day. Be patient – you won’t sort everything out in one conversation.

Read more useful tips

Learn how to talk to someone about their drinking or drug use on the Change Grow Live website.

Worried about a young person?

Many children and teenagers come into contact with drugs or alcohol, but only a small number go on to develop a problem. Yet you might still be concerned about a young person. It will probably be hard to stop them trying things out – especially if they’re doing it with their friends. But you can talk to them about making the right choices.

Read about the support available for young people

Worried about your own child?

You’ll understandably be concerned if you think your child is drinking under age or experimenting with drugs. For many, it’s just part of trying new experiences as they grow up, so there’s no need to panic. But perhaps keep a lookout for certain changes.

Are they mixing with new friends or behaving differently? Are they being secretive about where they’re going? Is their schoolwork suffering? Do they seem drowsy or distracted? These might not be signs of a problem, but it could be worth talking to them about what you’ve noticed.

Read about the support available for young people