Worried about someone's drug use?

Dealing with someone else's problem
If you're worried about someone else's drinking or drug use, their problem can easily become your own. Whatever the impact their behaviour has on your life, here's how you can cope:

You can't make them stop
It can be distressing to see the health and wellbeing of someone you're close to become affected by alcohol or drug abuse. While you can offer valuable support to someone who wants to overcome their problem, bear in mind that not all people will readily accept help or even admit to having a problem. You can't make someone stop abusing drink or drugs; they must recognise the problem first before making the decision themselves to overcome it.

Don't suffer in silence
Sometimes people can behave unpredictably when they drink or take drugs. Their moods and actions can become erratic, which means they may become aggressive or violent. Don't tolerate abuse of any nature, whether physical or emotional - you have the right to put your own safety and wellbeing first.

Ensure you can confide in someone if necessary, such as a close friend or relative.
Or contact Frank 0800 77 66 00

Make time for yourself
However much someone else's problem has become a part of your life, it's still important to take care of yourself properly. Don't feel guilty about spending time doing what you enjoy, such as a hobby or socialising with friends. Also, if you're feeling depressed or anxious, the best thing to do is to get help from your GP.

Do your homework
The more you understand about the facts about different types of drugs, the greater your understanding will be about someone's behaivour, what they are going through and how they can overcome it.

You're not to blame
Whatever has led someone to develop a drink or drugs problem, you're not to blame. Nor should you feel obliged to cover up for their habits or make excuses about their behaviour to others.

Things can change
People can change, and drug problems can be beaten. It might take a long time to notice a change but whatever happens, stay positive and remember that support is available, so you don't have to cope on your own.

Reference: http://www.thesite.org/drinkanddrugs/drugsafety/addiction/someoneelsesproblem

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Community Alcohol Service
Telephone: 024 7622 6619
Swanswell House, Coventry, CV1 5FY
Open: Mon - Fri: 8.30am - 5pm. Duty Serice Mon- Fri: 9am - 12pm & Mon only: 5 - 6.30pm
www.swanswelltrust.org

Discovery and Caddy Projects
Telephone: 0800 783 0319
9 Lamb Street, Coventry, CV1 4AE
Open: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm. Drop-in: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri: 12 - 2pm, Wed: 12 - 6.30pm
www.swanswelltrust.org

Coventry Community Drug Team
8 Ironmonger Row, Coventry, CV1 1FD
Open: Mon, Wed, Thu: 9am - 5pm, Tue: 9am - 6pm, Fri: 9am - 4.30pm
www.covdrug.org.uk

Murray Lodge
Telephone: 024 7650 1585
1 Whitley Village, Coventry, CV3 4AJ
Open: Mon - Fri: 9am - 5pm
www.langleyhousetrust.org