Supporting someone with an alcohol, drug or other addictive behaviour can be extremely challenging and stressful. It is important to seek professional advice on how to approach the situation.

Holyoake’s expert counsellors can provide you with the insight, knowledge and strategies to appropriately respond to your situation, but here are some basic tips for family and friends:

Do

• Focus on building trust
• Be honest
• Respect privacy
• Take care of yourself

Don’t

• Criticize
• Judge
• Threaten
• Expect immediate change

Expect Difficulties

• The person may not agree they have a problem
• They may not be ready to change
• They may feel ashamed, embarrassed