Who Cares Trust

Knowing someone that you love is using drugs can be really upsetting. You might be feeling worried or angry because they won't stop or feeling guilty and think you must be responsible in some way. It's not easy to cope with these feelings but there are some things that you can do that will help:

Understand that it's not your fault

The person using drugs is responsible for the choices they make. They are the ones decide to use drugs and only they can decide when stop. All you can do is encourage them to stop and offer love and support when they do.

Don't bottle it up

It's much better to talk to someone about how you are feeling such as someone in your family, your carer, a friend, a teacher or someone else that you trust. There are some organisations that you can contact at the bottom of this page who you can talk to confidentially.

You can love the person but hate the drugs

It can feel very strange when you love someone but hate something that they do, like using drugs. Some people end up feeling really torn and confused about these mixed feelings. Sometimes the person can be really wonderful when they haven't used drugs and really horrible when they're using them. This is the drugs making them change, not the real person.

Don't be ashamed

Knowing and caring about someone who has a drug problem is nothing to be ashamed of. Like we said before, it really isn't your fault. People from all sorts of backgrounds can have drug problems. It's not nice and can be very upsetting but it's not something to be ashamed of. Some people get picked on or bullied because a person that they care about is using drugs. If this is happening to you talk to someone you trust, like your carer, friend or a teacher.

More information and support:

ADFAM National - Information and support for the people who are worried about someone they know using drugs or alcohol as well as details of local support groups.
Call: 0845 1200 660

FRANK - straight up, unbiased information about drugs
Call 0800 77 66 00 (open 24 hrs a day)

Release - advice, counselling and support on drugs and legal problems
Call 020 7749 4034

Alateen - help and support for teenagers who are worried about an alcoholic friend or family member
Call 020 7403 0888 (open 10am - 10pm everyday)
Or email enquiries@al-anonuk.org.uk

Childline - General help and support.
Call 0800 11 11
Talk to a counsellor online
Send an email
Post on the message boards

Alcoholics Anonymous - advice and support about alcohol
Call 0845 769 7555
or email help@alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

Addaction - Drug and alcohol treatment agency that offers local branches and helplines.
Call 0207 251 5860
or email info@addaction.org.uk

Drinkline - Confidential telephone help, information and advice for anyone worried about alcohol.
Call 0800 917 8282