Looking after yourself
Looking after yourself when you are supporting a friend going through a tough time
It’s okay to seek support and advice for yourself if someone's behaviour, due to an alcohol or other drug problem, is impacting on your life. You might feel overly anxious or protective of the person with a problem or their behaviour towards you may be threatening or violent.
Helping someone who is not ready to change their behaviour may be difficult and the decision for them to get help is ultimately theirs. Sometimes you can get so concerned over someone else's drug use that you forget to look after yourself. It is important that you look after yourself too.
Talk to someone you trust about what is going on and how you feel. This may be another family member, friend, counsellor or youth worker.
Speaking with an organisation who specialises in drug and alcohol issues and treatment may be helpful for working out how best to approach your concerns. The Alcohol and Drug Information Service or Ted Noffs Foundation provide help and information for those who are using drugs and alcohol. Check out the Who can help fact sheet for how to contact them.
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