How can I help others?

If you feel someone you care about has a problem with alcohol or drugs you don't have to keep it a secret.

Many of us have parents, brothers and sisters or friends who use alcohol or drugs. It can be difficult to know what to do, but we can help you think things through.

Top tips for helping others

Be informed - get the lowdown on the effects and risks of drink and drugs from the other pages on this site.
Talk to them - you could try telling them how their drug or alcohol use is affecting you and how you have seen it change or affect them. Sometimes just voicing our concerns helps someone realise that maybe things aren't okay. You could always tell them about this site and help them get informed about the risks as well.
Talk to someone - remember you're not alone and you don't have to keep it a secret. Thousands of children and young people in Britain live with parents who have problems with alcohol or drugs, as well as friends, brothers and sisters. Our services are used to helping other young people in similar situations.
Look after yourself - try to eat healthy, exercise, get enough sleep and don't neglect your education. Being at school can be really difficult if you're worried about someone you love, but it can also give you time out with friends, something else to do and contact with adults who can help.
Protect yourself - don't hold or carry anyone else's drink, drugs or stuff like bottles, rizlas, pipes or needles, and encourage your friend/family member to keep them safely.
Encourage them - In the end you can't tell anyone else what to do, so you may have to accept they won't change. In this case you could encourage them to stay as safe as possible.

Sometimes they won't listen to you at all and you can do nothing but find someone to talk to about how it makes you feel. Call us or talk to a trusted adult friend. If it's worrying you it's better to get it off of your chest rather than holding it in.

There are also a couple of national organisations for families and friends of those with alcohol or drug problems. You can check out the links to the left to find out more.

How can I help others?

Related links