How to support someone experiencing alcohol and other drugs dependence

Mental Health Families and Friends recognises that some people experience poor mental health as a direct result of a relationship with alcohol and/or drugs, that they wish they could change. And sometimes, navigating this as a support person is challenging. There’s a lot to grapple with stigma, confusion, lack of resources, and simply not knowing where to turn.
While our organisation’s focus is not on those with a lived or living experience of drug use, as a result of the many families and friends we engage with, we advocate and support those supporting someone living with alcohol and other drug use, and/or mental health. Mental Health Families and Friends recognise that some people experience mental ill health as a result of their alcohol or drug use, or their alcohol or drug use is a way to cope with their mental ill health.
There are some wonderful, non-judgemental services, educational resources, and advocacy organisations in Tasmania. We’ve listed some here.
In particular, the organisations that could further assist you are:
- Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs Council Tasmania
- Drug Education Network
- The Salvation Army, Tasmania Bridge Program
If this information has resonated with you and you want to you’d like to get in contact with us, join one of our programs or have some feedback, please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
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