What’s the role of a friend or relative?
Family or friends play a major role in a person’s psychology that fights with drug and alcohol addiction. Being next to them and advising can be difficult. For that reason, it’s important to be aware of what they need or what can you do to help them. For instance, please encourage them to speak to a specialist and use local services.
If you feel that your help is inadequate or is not accepted by them, you may be asked to book an appointment with a GP or support worker to help you provide the best advice to them or help both of you.
According to NICE guidelines, if you are involved in your friend’s or family’s care, you will be offered a carer’s assessment under the Care Act 2014 (Mind, 2019).
If you want to have further involvement in your friend’s or relative’s care, visit the following links:
Helping others with mental health problems
Worried about someone’s mental health
It’s important to look after yourself, as supporting people who deal with (drug and alcohol) addiction and mental health issues can make you feel that you have a heavy-weight on your shoulders. Therefore, it is advised to discuss your feelings with other people, for example, in a local support group.
Help in an emergency: If you are a friend or relative who does not seek help or is at risk, inform the mental health services to carry a mental health assessment.
(Mind, 2019)