Watching someone you love struggle with alcohol or other drugs is hard. You might feel worried, angry, tired, or unsure what to do next. If you are looking for help for a family member with addiction, Mediclinic in Clayton South is a family-inclusive practice. We value the role families and carers play, and we can support you as well as the person you care about.
You don’t have to wait until your loved one is ready to get help. Support for you can start today.
How we support families and carers
- Advice and information: we can explain alcohol and drug use, withdrawal, treatment options and what recovery can look like.
- Your own health: caring for someone can affect your sleep, stress levels and mental health. Book an appointment with your own GP to look after you.
- Including you in care: with your loved one’s consent, you can come to appointments and be part of planning.
- Referral: we can connect you with family support services, counselling and psychology.
- Practical support: our Patient Support Services team can help regular patients with child and family welfare, housing, family violence support and advocacy.
About confidentiality
If your family member is our patient, we can’t share their health information without their consent. But we can always listen to your concerns, and we can give you general information and support for yourself.
Help for a family member with addiction: starting the conversation
Raising your concerns can feel daunting. Some tips that can help:
- Choose a calm time when you are both sober and not rushed.
- Use “I” statements, such as “I’m worried because I’ve noticed…”, rather than blame.
- Talk about specific things you have seen, and how they affect you.
- Listen as well as talk. Try to understand their side.
- Offer support, such as coming with them to see a GP.
- Expect that it may take more than one conversation.
Planning a family intervention
An intervention is a carefully planned process involving family, carers and other people who care about the person. It can be an opportunity for the person to make changes before things get worse.
A helpful intervention is caring and respectful, not a confrontation or an ambush. It works best when it is planned with professional guidance.
Get advice first
Talk to a GP, Family Drug Help or an AOD counsellor about whether an intervention is right for your situation, and how to keep everyone safe.
Plan together
Decide who will be there, what each person will say, and what help you will offer. Have a treatment option ready, such as a GP appointment.
Have the conversation
Speak calmly, share specific concerns and say how much you care. Avoid labels, blame and threats you won’t follow through on.
Follow through
Whatever the response, keep the door open. Look after yourself and stay connected to your own supports.
It is common for someone to say no at first. That doesn’t mean you have failed. Many people come back to an offer of help later.
Looking after yourself
Caring for someone who uses alcohol or other drugs can be exhausting. Your wellbeing matters too.
- Keep up with things that help you, such as exercise, sleep, hobbies and time with friends.
- Set boundaries that keep you and others safe, and stick to them.
- Talk to someone you trust, or join a support group for families.
- Notice signs of stress, low mood or anxiety in yourself, and see your GP if they build up.
- Remember that you can’t control another person’s choices, and their substance use is not your fault.
Our mental health page explains how a GP can help if you are not coping.
Services for families
- Family Drug Help: 1300 660 068. Support and information for families and friends of people who use alcohol or other drugs in Victoria.
- DirectLine: 1800 888 236. Free, confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral, available 24 hours.
- Peer support groups: groups such as Al-Anon support family and friends of people who drink.
More services are listed on our helpful links page.
Staying safe
If you are worried about overdose, ask a GP or pharmacist about naloxone. Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose, and family members can carry it.
If you or your children are not safe at home, call 000 in an emergency. You can also call 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for family violence support at any time.
Need help right now?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000 or go to your nearest emergency department. These free services are available 24 hours a day:
- Lifeline — 13 11 14 (crisis support and suicide prevention)
- DirectLine — 1800 888 236 (alcohol and drug counselling, Victoria)
- Suicide Call Back Service — 1300 659 467
- 13YARN — 13 92 76 (for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people)
Frequently asked questions
My loved one won’t get help. What can I do?
You can’t force someone into treatment, but you can keep offering support and get help for yourself. Family Drug Help (1300 660 068) and your GP can help you plan your next steps.
Can I make an appointment to talk about my family member?
Yes. You can book with your GP to talk about how their use is affecting you and to get advice. If your family member is our patient, we can’t share their information without consent.
Can I come to my loved one’s appointments?
Yes, if they agree. We are a family-inclusive practice and welcome support people.
Is an intervention a good idea?
It can be, if it is planned carefully, with professional advice, and done with care rather than confrontation. Talk to a GP or Family Drug Help first.
What if there are children in the home?
Children’s safety comes first. Talk to your GP about support for your family. Our Patient Support Services team can help regular patients with child and family welfare. In an emergency, call 000.
To talk to a GP about supporting someone you love, call (03) 9544 1555 or book online.