Self care

It is important to be there and support a young person who is experiencing issues related to their drug use. It is also important to take care of yourself.

Worry, frustration, anger, disappointment and guilt are all normal emotions that a loved one may experience when supporting a loved one who is using drugs.  

Many parents and loved ones, on hearing that their child is using drugs, invest their energy in trying to get a child support from services or intervene in their substance use. What seems like the obvious next step in the eyes of a loved one may not be shared by the young person themselves. This difference of opinion can result in conflict and can make you feel like you are going around in circles: ‘Why won’t they just get help!’.  

So what can you do? 

Parents and loved ones who have been through this before will tell you one of the most powerful things you can do is actually focus some energy on yourself. 

Research indicates that healthy family functioning enables the family to be a source of strength for all its members – including a young person who is using substances. A strong family base can have a huge impact on a young person’s ability to make changes and stick to them in the long run.  

Surround yourself with support and consider seeing a counsellor. This strengthens you for the journey ahead and role models help-seeking to your loved one. Getting on the same page as other support people is helpful. It can be hard when caring for a young person who is getting two different messages.  

Remember that you are in a unique position to create a safe and healthy environment for a young person to recover in – when they are ready. Start working on that today. 

Talk to people who understand. Family Drug Support is staffed by family members and carers who have a lived experience of supporting a loved one who uses/has used drugs. You can call them on 1300 369 186 24/7.  

Remember you’ll be a better supporter to your loved one if you are healthy and well-supported yourself. 

Keeping yourself sane and healthy for the long haul is paramount. 

• Do surround yourself with support (and consider seeing a counsellor). This strengthens you for the journey ahead and role models help-seeking to your loved one.
• Do remember that you are in a unique position to create a safe and healthy environment for a young person to recover in – when they are ready. Start working on that today.
• Do talk to people who understand. We recommend Family Drug Support or Family Drug Help.
• Do remember you’ll be a better supporter to your loved one if you are healthy and well supported yourself.