I'm concerned about my own use
Explore alcohol or drug-related concerns, ambivalence, harm reduction, recovery and practical support strategies.
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Alcohol & Other Drug Counselling · Family Guidance
Change begins with understanding, not judgement.
Maybe you're questioning your relationship with alcohol or drugs. Maybe you're worried about someone you love. Wherever you're starting, you deserve information, compassion and practical next steps.
Start where you are
There is more than one way to begin.
You do not need to decide on abstinence, identify with a label or have a perfect plan to ask for support.
I'm worried about someone I love
Learn about boundaries, communication, family wellbeing and ways to seek appropriate services.
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I don't know which service I need
Use a focused consultation to explore treatment pathways, options and next steps.
Explore support navigation →Understanding substance use
When something that once helped starts feeling harder to control.
Alcohol or other drugs can become connected to stress, relief, habits, social situations or difficult emotions. Not everyone who uses a substance has a substance use disorder; support can be useful at many stages.
Dependence may involve physical or psychological adaptation, while problematic use can affect health, relationships or daily life. Assessment and diagnosis, where needed, should be provided by appropriately qualified professionals.
01
Recognising patterns
Notice how and when substance use has become part of everyday coping, relationships or routines.
02
Understanding triggers
Explore stress, emotions, people or circumstances associated with cravings or use.
03
Considering change
Explore your own reasons for making changes, even if you feel unsure or conflicted.
04
Building practical tools
Develop safer coping strategies, a support network and a plan for challenging situations.
Understanding readiness
Change rarely happens in a straight line.
The stages-of-change model is one way of understanding how motivation and behaviour can shift over time. These stages are not rigid steps or a test of someone's readiness.
Not yet considering
Change may not feel necessary or possible.
Thinking it over
You may notice concerns and feel mixed emotions.
Getting ready
You might explore options, supports or a small first step.
Taking action
You experiment with new behaviours and support.
Maintaining progress
You practise skills and make adjustments over time.
Setbacks aren't a verdict on you.
People may move back and forth between stages. Returning to substance use can be an opportunity to review supports and strategies, without shame. Additional medical or specialist help may be needed.
Family & loved ones
You can care about someone without carrying everything alone.
Worrying about a person's substance use may bring confusion, exhaustion and uncertainty. Family guidance can focus on making sense of what's happening, supporting communication, developing boundaries and looking after your own wellbeing.
We can explore how to approach difficult conversations and which external services or specialist resources might be appropriate. You do not need to wait for your loved one to start treatment to seek guidance for yourself.
Group or family support sessions may be considered by arrangement, suitability and demand. No recurring group programme is currently advertised.
When you feel ready