Addiction to alcohol and other drugs can have a significant impact on friends or family members, including children. It is normal to feel some shame that this has happened within your family or circle or friends, and to worry that people around you won’t understand.
It can also be difficult to watch a loved one slowly deteriorate, especially if you feel powerless about getting them the help and support they need. Naturally, it is easier to support someone into treatment if they are ready to get help.
This is best done through a phone call to a local Intake Service. They can provide information about the treatment options that are available, as well as arrange an assessment of someone’s needs. The table and map below provides a list of contact numbers for them to call, depending on their location.
If your friend or loved one is not at the point where they want help, there are some things that may assist. Leaving some drug and alcohol treatment brochures lying around can often instigate a conversation. Focus on what you have directly observed and how it is making you feel.
If you do decide to talk to them directly, avoid doing this when they are ‘in crisis’ or in a state of high emotion. Most people are more receptive to talking about their issues when they are feeling calm. It can also help to talk about your concerns with other family members or friends in order to agree on a consistent message or approach.
As the journey to recovery can be long and challenging, it is important to look after yourself. Intake Services can also provide support for you. Likewise, Family Drug Help provides a telephone service to family members and friends who are concerned about a loved one’s alcohol and other drug use. The can be contacted on 1300 660 068 or at www.familydrughelp.com.au.
| Catchment | Service provider | Intake and assessment no. |
|---|---|---|
| Barwon | Barwon AOD Consortium | 1300 094 187 or 1300 763 254 (Colac area) |
| Bayside | Inner Sth Community Health Service | 1800 229 263 |
| Eastern Melbourne | SURE consortium | 1300 007 873 |
| Inner North North Melbourne North West Melbourne South West Melbourne | Odyssey / ReGen | 1800 700 514 |
| Frankston-Mornington Peninsula | FaMDAS | 1300 665 781 |
| Hume Goulburn Valley Grampians Loddon Mallee Great South Coast Gippsland | ACSO | 1300 022 760 |
| Inner East | Turning Point | 1800 778 278 |
| South East Melbourne | SECADA | 1800 142 536 |
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