If you have a relative or friend who may have a drug or an alcohol problem, it's important to know the warning signs of substance misuse. It’s also helpful to understand how to approach the situation and learn about the resources available to your loved one, to you, and to any others who are affected by the problem.
Substance misuse can be a very serious problem. When someone uses illicit drugs or misuses prescription drugs, alcohol, or cannabis, it can create serious impairment and lead to dependency on the substance. This dependency, in turn, can make it very difficult to stop using. Fortunately, with the right supports it is possible to limit the harmful consequences of substance misuse, such as health problems and damage to personal relationships.
Risky drug and alcohol use can cause serious problems, including significant health concerns. Untreated alcoholism can lead to conditions such as cirrhosis of the liver, increased cancer risk, heart disease, and damage to the brain. Drug misuse (or use other than prescribed) can lead to respiratory problems, a weakened immune system, increased strain on the liver, heart conditions, seizures, stroke, brain damage, problems with memory and decision-making, death from an overdose, and other problems that are related to the drug that's used.
Substance misuse can also result in:
Relatives and friends of those who misuse substances may also be affected by the problem. The stress of living with or caring about someone with problematic drug or alcohol use can lead to:
The effects of substance misuse on a family member or friend can be dramatic. The mood swings and crises that occur are often felt by loved ones—the spouse or partner, children, or a friend—who may find their own lives becoming unmanageable and may develop unhealthy ways of coping with the alcohol or drug problem.
A spouse/partner or a loved one of someone who misuses substances may fluctuate between hope and disappointment. They may experience increasing feelings of fear, confusion, anger, anxiety, and loss of self-esteem, especially if there have been numerous relapses. As the problem progresses, the partner or family member may struggle with knowing how to support their loved one without inadvertently reinforcing the substance use. For example, the parent of an adult child who is misusing substances and is unemployed and living at home may be unsure if giving their child financial support is helping or hurting them. The term "co-dependent" is sometimes used to describe what happens when loved ones rely on one another in unhealthy ways. For example, a spouse might call their partner's employer and tell them they are sick, when in fact they're hungover.
When it comes to a parent’s substance use, children may experience feelings of embarrassment, insecurity, and tension which can develop into social withdrawal, powerlessness, and depression. As a parent's substance use continues, the family may begin to live from crisis to crisis, and children’s development may be affected.
The warning signs of unhealthy alcohol or drug use aren't always easy to recognise because the person may go to great lengths to hide the problem. Alcohol or drugs may have a negative effect on the person's:
The person who is misusing drugs or alcohol may:
Another common warning sign of substance misuse is that the person's family, friends, or employer may express concerns about the person's drinking or drug use. Even just one of these signs may mean that a person requires professional help.
The type of treatment that makes sense for someone who is misusing substances will depend on a number of factors, including the frequency and type of substance(s) they’re using, how severe the problem has become, and how accessible treatment is given their circumstances. Professional help is often required if the person’s substance misuse causes problems with money, strained friendships, broken relationships, employment, or getting arrested.
Treatment usually starts with a formal assessment or evaluation to determine the extent of the problem and the best level of care. A trained professional will perform a face-to-face assessment, either in a treatment programme or other professional setting. After the assessment is completed, a referral to an appropriate treatment programme is made.
Many kinds of help are available, including:
To find treatment programmes and centres in your area, go to NHS Choices Drug Treatment Finder.
Some people who misuse substances are aware of their problem and know they need help. Others have difficulty recognising their issues and acknowledging the seriousness of their problem. A variety of methods—sometimes called interventions—can help relatives and friends raise their concerns with someone who is dealing with a drug or alcohol problem. Those methods include one-on-one discussions between the individual and a trusted family adviser, family meetings organised with the help of experts, and more structured formal interventions.
There are many supports and resources available if someone if someone you care about is engaging in unhealthy drug or alcohol use. These may include:
Your GP. Your GP can refer you to a clinician who works with families and friends of those who misuse substances. They may also advise you about helpful resources in your area such as community treatment programmes, advocacy agencies, or support groups.
Self-help groups for relatives and friends of those who misuse substances. You may want to look into Al-Anon or Nar-Anon Family Groups, which are self-help groups for relatives and friends of people who misuse alcohol or drugs. The FRANK website has more advice.
Your organisation’s assistance programme. If you have access to an assistance programme, reach out to them for support and resources.
Compulsive alcohol or drug use is a serious and sometimes life-threatening problem. Many people who misuse substances recover and go on to lead healthy and rewarding lives free from drugs or alcohol. You can help by encouraging your loved one to get professional help and, if you are having difficulty coping with the behaviour, getting help for yourself, too.