Spotting the signs
The effects of addiction on a loved one can be both worrying and confusing.
Signs to look out for include:
- suddenly missing lots of school or work
- change in behaviour
- withdrawing from work or activities which used to be enjoyed
- not sleeping properly - too much or not enough
- frequently asking for money
- not taking care of personal hygiene and appearance
- withdrawal symptoms - nausea, shaking, depression, anxiety, sweating, irritability, lack of appetite, headaches
- secrecy
- deliberately mysterious on whereabouts when drinking or taking drugs
- concealing the amount ingested
- unexplained accidents
Be aware that these signs are not only related to drug and alcohol abuse. They can be symptomatic of other mental and physical illnesses.
Concern about a child
Having a child or caring for somebody with a drink or drug problem is extremely distressing.
There are a number of organisations which provide support to the parents and carers of people fighting addiction.
These include:
Concern about a spouse or partner
Addiction often leads to unpredictable behaviour as well as health and financial difficulties. This can put a great deal of pressure onto a couple’s relationship.
The partner of somebody struggling with addiction is likely to feel isolated, but there are many organisations dedicated to providing support.
A family and friends support group runs every week at New Hope and is open to anybody over the age of 18.
Concern about a parent
A parent’s addiction can be embarrassing, confusing and frightening. It can leave the children feeling hopeless and isolated.
Because of this, many young people do not reach out for help or talk to anybody about their issues.
It is natural to feel as though you want to help a parent, but it's important to remember is that you are not responsible for their addiction. You cannot be expected to resolve it by yourself.
There is support available. Not only for the person suffering from addiction, but also their families and friends.
National Association for Children of Alcoholics (Nacao)
You can find help and advice on the Nacao website:
You can also call them on 0800 358 3456.
Childline
You can find help and advice on the childline website.
You can also call them on 0800 11 11.
These phone lines are free and confidential, and will not show up on the phone bill.
Local services that can help
If you live in or near to Bracknell, there are a number of local organisations who can support you through your parent’s addiction problems.
Relate and Sandhurst counselling service can both help.
Check out our local services page for more information.
Concern about a friend
There are a number of reasons why a friend may start drinking or taking drugs. A lot of the time it is down to curiosity, but sometimes it is to deal with a deeper problem. Unfortunately, many people who have a problem cannot see it and can be very defensive. This can make it difficult to talk about, so it is important that you think carefully first before you decide to talk to them.
There are people who have been trained for years to help people recover. You are not responsible for another person’s addiction - don't allow yourself to feel as though you are.
However, there are some simple steps that you can take in order to help. You can avoid activities and locations which might allow them to drink or take drugs. For example, avoiding places like the pub, or a particular friend’s house or spot where they take drugs can help.