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Worried about someone you know?

Worried about someone you know?

It can be really worrying when you think someone you care about is drinking too much.  It's not always easy to tell if they have a drinking problem.

Here are a few signs you can look out for. If they have a number of these, it's worth trying to encourage them to get some help.

  • Worrying about when they'll be able to have their next drink
  • Sweating, nausea or insomnia if they don't have a drink.
  • Needing to drink more and more alcohol to get drunk.
  • Drinking alcohol (or wanting to) first thing in the morning
  • Drinking regularly by themselves or trying to hide their drinking from people around them
  • Relationships with family or friends are affected by their drinking.

Here are some things you could try:

  1. Talk to the person directly.  It takes lots of courage to admit to a drinking problem, and it can be a really hard thing to talk about.  Statements that show your concern are often good e.g. 'I'm worried about you, you have not been yourself lately', or 'you are not hanging out with us as much'.
  2. Speak to a family member or a friend who may be able to help work out the best course of action.
  3. Talk to a school social worker, teacher, doctor or other health professional.
  4. Here's a list of confidential services you can call where someone will be able to discuss your worries and help you work out what to do

In case of an emergency, place an unconscious person on their side and call an ambulance (Triple Zero, 000).

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