Nadia Buckus
Lots of families in Estcourt are living with a loved one who is using or trying to come off drugs. If you’re the parent, partner, child or carer of a drug user, you may feel worried, frustrated and alone.
It’s important to recognise this and get the help and support you need. Families often play an important role in helping people to come off drugs.
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If you get help for yourself, you will be able to support your loved one better. It can be helpful to talk to other people who know what you’re going through.
Reaching out to help someone with an alcohol or drug problem is not easy. But addiction will not go away and denial prevents the person from appreciating the full extent of the problem and its consequences.
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Heavy drinkers are unable to make sound and conscious choices about their drinking and so the involvement of family, friends and employers can make a difference. A flexible caring approach rather than a harsh one is important.
You must be non-confrontational and persuasive. Accept that it will be a difficult situation and expect the person to be defensive and hostile. Keep your cool.
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Don’t sound accusing. Rather than saying: “I think you are a drug addict” say: “I think you have a problem with drug addiction”.
You may be frightened or angry but avoid blame and angry confrontations. They need to be able to focus on what is being said, not how it is being said. The longer we ignore the problem the greater the health risks. We are here to listen.
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