You don’t have to carry this alone

Family support

When someone you love is struggling

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Watching someone struggle with alcohol or drugs is exhausting — the worry, the arguments, the hope that tomorrow will be different. Many families wait months before asking for help, unsure what to say or whom to trust.

You can begin with us at any point: before your loved one is ready, before anything is decided, even if you only want to understand the situation better. Families often make the first enquiry with us, and that first conversation has helped many households find calmer ground.

Starting the conversation at home

Approaching the subject of substance use is difficult, and there is no perfect script. A few principles help:

• Choose a calm moment — not during or right after a conflict.
• Speak from care, not accusation — “I’m worried about you, and I’d like us to talk” opens more doors than “You have a problem.”
• Listen more than you advise — being heard often does more than being lectured.
• Don’t expect one conversation to fix everything — think of it as opening a door you can return to.
• Protect your own wellbeing — supporting someone is easier when you also have support.

If you would like help preparing for that conversation, our team can talk it through with you first. See our guide on how families can start a supportive conversation about substance use.

What you can share with us

During a family enquiry, you are welcome to share what you feel comfortable with. It usually helps to mention:

• Your relationship to the person and what has been happening recently.
• How the situation is affecting daily life — sleep, work, studies, relationships, safety.
• What has been tried before, and how the person has responded.
• What you are hoping for, and what worries you most.

You do not need medical reports, documents or a diagnosis to speak with us. Please avoid sending sensitive documents or detailed medical history through WhatsApp or the website form — those are best discussed on a call.

How we can support your family

• Guidance for the first conversation — what to say, what to avoid, and how to respond to common reactions.
• Family counselling — a structured space to rebuild understanding, set realistic expectations and plan next steps together.
• Clarity about services — honest explanations of what our rehabilitation and counselling services involve, and what happens after an enquiry.
• Support during recovery — families remain part of the journey through recovery and relapse-prevention support.