Someone I Love Needs Help
Are you concerned about a friend or loved one who may be struggling with addiction? Call UsFamily SupportWe have been in your position.
We have experienced the immense stress, conflict, worry and despair that comes with addiction.
When you are worried about someone’s alcohol or other drug use, it is hard to know what to do. It can be difficult to talk about with the person or with anyone else.
It’s particularly concerning if you think someone you care about is misusing a substance and not being honest about it.
Arrow Health is one of Australia’s leading addiction treatment providers. Our evidence-based behaviour change programs provide a genuine opportunity for sustainable, positive change.
Send Us A Message
Complete this form and one of our friendly team will get back to you within 1 business day. For a faster response, please call 03 9533 7888.
Are They An Addict?
Unsure if your loved one’s behavior signals addiction?
It can be incredibly difficult to watch someone you care about struggle with substance use. You may wonder if their behavior is a sign of addiction or something else entirely. Our Are They An Addict? quiz is designed to provide clarity and guidance during this uncertain time.
By taking a few minutes to answer the questions in this quiz, you’ll:
- Gain a better understanding of the signs of addiction.
- Receive tailored resources and insights into how to support your loved one.
- Take an important first step toward helping them on the path to recovery.
Support For Families
We know how to help because we have been where you are. We see families as part of the solution.
Free Family Info Sessions
Get your questions answered and find out what to expect when your family member is in rehab.
Free Family First Step Program
We will help you understand addiction, teach you strategies to cope, support you to support your loved one to seek help, and teach you how to support your loved one during and post-treatment.
Parents of Adolescents Program
A family program for parents of adolescent addicts (12-25 years old). Get the support you need, learn about addiction and discover how to help.
Interventions
By engaging in our intervention program, you don’t need to wait until your loved one has lost everything to get them the help they need.
Family Counselling
Qualified and highly experienced therapists can support you to repair relationships and take control of your life despite the addict’s life choices.
FREE Family First Step Proram
The first of its kind in Australia, the Family First Step Program will teach you skills to help you better understand what you are dealing with and incorporate strategies to cope.
How do I know if my loved one has a problem with drugs or alcohol?
There’s rarely one clear sign. Common patterns include changes in mood, sleep or appearance, withdrawing from family and usual activities, secrecy or unexplained money problems, missed responsibilities, and signs of withdrawal when they have gone without. Any one of these can have other causes, so it’s the pattern and how long it lasts that matters. Only a clinical assessment can say whether substance use disorder is present, but noticing changes and acting on your concern is a reasonable place to start. The family quiz on this page can help you put what you’re noticing into words.
What can I do if my loved one doesn't want help?
Staying connected matters more than winning an argument. Raise your concern in a calm moment, using specific things you’ve noticed rather than labels. Keep the door open without pressure or ultimatums you can’t follow through on. Look after your own wellbeing and set boundaries on what you will and won’t do. Many people become more open to help over time, and a guided conversation can help make that first step more likely. Arrow Health’s intervention service is one way to do that with professional support.
How do I talk to my loved one about their drinking or drug use?
Choose a time when they’re sober and neither of you is angry. Lead with care rather than blame, use “I” statements (“I’ve been worried about you”) and give one or two specific examples. Expect defensiveness and don’t try to settle everything in one conversation. Listen more than you speak, and have a next step ready if they’re open, such as a call to a support service. It often takes more than one attempt.
Am I enabling my loved one's addiction?
Enabling usually means protecting someone from the consequences of their use. Such as covering for them at work, paying off debts or making excuses to others. Supporting them means caring for the person while letting the consequences of their actions land. Most families do some of the first out of love and fear, not because of failing. A practical start is to name one thing you’ll stop doing and hold to it consistently. Family support services can help you work out where your own line sits.
Should I wait for my loved one to hit rock bottom before they get help?
No. There’s no need to wait for a crisis, and waiting carries real risks, including overdose, health decline, and damage to relationships. Motivation to change often grows during treatment rather than before it. Starting sooner rather than later can mean there is less to repair and more to build on.
Where can I get support as a family member of someone living with addiction?
Family members need support in their own right. SHARC’s Family Drug Help (1300 660 068) offers a confidential support line for families in Victoria. Arrow Health also runs the Family First Step Program, which is free. If your loved one isn’t currently active in an Arrow Health program, there is a one-off $180 consultation fee, which covers the time our family counsellor needs to get to know you and your situation. If your loved one is already admitted, that groundwork has been done so there is no additional fee.
Can I contact Arrow Health on behalf of my son, daughter, or partner?
Yes. You can call to ask about options, how admission works, and what funding is involved. An adult needs to make their own decision about their treatment, so they will need to agree before they are admitted. Once someone is a resident, staff can share general wellbeing updates with family, and let you know when you’ll be able to speak with or visit your loved one.