How do I help a family member who is taking drugs?

Dealing with a family member who is taking drugs can be an emotional rollercoaster, especially if they do not see their drug use as an issue and do not want to stop. Groups such as Adfam, Addaction and Families Anonymous provide information and support for drug users and their families and friends.

The best thing that you can do is to be there for them, in order to provide support and be able to encourage them in making changes. But be careful as they may see this as ‘nagging’ and become upset or they may try to take advantage, e.g. to borrow money.

You should also consider your own needs – the pressure may seem so great that you stop seeing your friends, stop going to school or college or even become ill.  External support is available for both yourself and your family member. It is particularly important that you get help if you feel you are no longer safe because of threats or aggression.

For more information see: http://www.nhs.uk/CarersDirect/young/young/Pages/Overview.aspx.