Helping someone you know

We can help anyone affected by alcohol or drugs

1800 888 236

Immediate support,
24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Service finder

Looking for a local support service? Try our service finder.

Self assessment

Encourage your loved one to complete a confidential self-assessment.

Live online counselling or email support

Online counselling — get started.

Got a quick question? Send us an email.

How can DirectLine help?

What to expect when you call

Qualified support

Our professional counsellors work with all people affected by someone else’s alcohol and drugs use, including partners, family members and friends.

We’ll want to know more about you

Expect our counsellors to ask more about you and your circumstances. We need to know about both your loved one’s problems as well as how they are affecting your life.

Advice and counselling

We’ll work through your issues with you, give you advice on how to cope with your situation, and discuss with you what your next steps might be.

Connect you with specialist services

DirectLine can connect you with a range of services across Victoria, including peer support groups, face-to-face and group counselling specifically for people affected by another’s alcohol or drug use.

Supporting somebody with an alcohol or drug problem can be hard

Find out what you can do to help

Speak to a counsellor yourself

Our counsellors provide non-judgemental support and advice for people who are affected by a loved one’s alcohol or drug problem. We can also direct you to current treatment options available for you and your loved one.

Educate yourself about their problem

Be informed about your loved one’s alcohol or drug use – the signs, symptoms and how it might be affecting their behaviour. We can provide you with information about the problems they’re facing and let you know which treatment options are available.

Discuss the issue with them openly

Admitting that there is a problem can be difficult for you, not just the person using alcohol or drugs. It’s important you communicate openly, trying to remain as non-judgmental as possible. This can be very difficult so speaking to a counsellor yourself first can help.

Look after yourself

Don’t forget to look after yourself. It’s common for people to focus on the person with the problem, but don’t forget that the stress of coping can also affect your physical and mental wellbeing. Speak to a counsellor or contact a local service for support.