When a family member has an alcohol and/or other drug use problem

Parents and relatives of people who are using alcohol or other drugs often feel as if they are riding on an emotional roller coaster. Significant and severe stress can be experienced over an extended period of time. Family members may feel isolated, powerless, angry, confused, ashamed and can become fatigued and at risk of their own health problems.

There are many different types of services available for parents and families in this type of situation, for example, self-help groups as well as professionally facilitated group and individual counselling sessions. All of these services provide support and practical strategies in order to reduce the drug related harm and achieve positive behavioural changes.

What to do? Who to turn to? How best to help?

• Support

The Parent Drug Information Service (PDIS) is a confidential telephone support service, providing support, counselling, information and referral service to parents and families in Western Australia.

Professional counsellors are available 24 hours a day to listen to parents and family members concerns, provide support and help families plan the best course of action. In addition, a team of trained parent volunteers are available to provide support to parents on the telephone, in the Adult Drug Court, Children’s Court and Youth Withdrawal and Respite Service (YW&RS). Volunteers who have experienced their own son or daughter’s drug use listen, share strategies, discuss options and refer parents into Alcohol and other Drug Services.

• Information

Counsellors can provide accurate, up-to-date information about alcohol and other drug use issues such as how drugs are used, what they look like, the signs of drug use, what action needs to be taken and so forth. They can also offer communication strategies to increase a parent or family member’s level of confidence when talking to their son/daughter/relative about drug use. A Parent Information Pack and other related resources can also be mailed out.

• Referrals

There are a range of services in the community offering parent and family services. After listening to the particular concerns, counsellors can refer the caller to agencies where they can access further support and help.

• Parent to Parent

PDIS has a team of parent volunteers, who have experienced a son or daughter using drugs, and have been trained in helping skills to support and guide families experiencing difficulties relating to drug use. The volunteers can provide confidential support by listening, sharing information and discussing practical strategies. For more information on this program, please see the parent volunteer’s page. Callers can access the Parent Telephone Support by calling PDIS.

• Parent Resources

An information and support pack is available for parents concerned about their son or daughter’s drug use. The booklet contains anecdotal information provided by parent volunteers, referral and drug information. Click on Parent Drug Information Service Booklet to download a copy.

• Other Support Services in WA

For a comprehensive guide to other parent and family related services in WA, check out the Directory of Alcohol & Other Drugs Services in Western Australia.