The impact of alcohol can reach far beyond the person directly experiencing alcohol harms, often also affecting family members, friends, and workmates.
In Australia, almost 10 million adults a year experience the effects of someone else’s drinking, in a range of ways.
If you are concerned about the alcohol use of someone you care about, there are strategies you can use to speak with and support them.
If you can safely have a conversation with the person you are concerned about, it can help to speak honestly, approaching any discussion with empathy and without any stigma.
Try to pick a place and time to talk where they are likely to feel safe, comfortable, calm, and open.
If they are not ready to talk and get defensive or upset, be patient and try again another time.
When supporting someone who has an alcohol dependency, it’s also important to find ways to take care of yourself.
This may look different for every person.
For some people, simply sharing concerns and feelings with others can help. You may choose to speak with a friend or family member, or with trusted people in your community such as your GP or counsellor.
Your workplace may offer counselling through an Employee Assistance Program.
Online and telephone support lines are also available, such as Family Drug Support, which operates 24/7.
Connecting with others who are currently having or have had similar experiences can be a valuable reminder that you’re not alone. There are online and in-person groups you can attend.
If you’re not ready to participate yet, you may find it helpful to simply read or watch the stories of others.
There is information and support available to help facilitate these honest conversations around alcohol. Check out the following resources:
Everyone has a right to feel safe. If you think this conversation would lead to you being unsafe, then it’s best to first reach out for support before speaking with the person about their alcohol use.
There are family support and family violence services that may be able to help.
Just after her 30th birthday, Paige was faced with what would become a turning point for her family – speaking with her partner about his alcohol consumption.
An acquaintance reached out to speak with Paige about her partner’s drinking, and after reading through advice online she was able to have the conversation with her partner, set new boundaries, and help him seek support.
Watch Paige’s story about how her family tackled alcohol.
More information
To find a local GP, you can call 1800 022 222 or visit healthdirect.gov.au. To find a local psychologist, visit psychology.org.au/find-a-psychologist. If you need other support to reduce your drinking, you can contact the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Will you join the community taking action on alcohol?
FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2023 FARE
Privacy Statement
T&C
FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2021 FARE
Privacy Statement
T&C
