10/07/2024: Survey highlights need for AOD education and support for concerned family and friends

A survey by the Alcohol and Drug Foundation has sadly found the majority of people (64%) worried about a friend or relative’s alcohol or other drug use, don’t feel they know how to provide support.

The survey, which was conducted to understand the information and support needs of people who use alcohol and other drugs in Australia, including their support networks, also found:

• Nearly 60% of concerned family and friends said they were unsure or didn’t know how to have a conversation about someone’s alcohol and other drug use.
• Almost half said they were unsure or didn’t know where to suggest their friend or family member could find information or support about their alcohol or other drug use (45%) or where to find general help for themselves (46%).
• Whilst 78% of people concerned about a friend or family member said they understood the importance of accessing information and support early, more than half (58%) did not seek information or support. Barriers included not knowing the right questions to ask or where to get help, perceived lack of privacy, concerns over what people might think about them or their relative/friend, or feeling embarrassed.

The Alcohol and Drug Foundation’s CEO, Dr Erin Lalor AM, said the survey findings reaffirm the critical need to reduce the barriers that prevent family and friends seeking information and support for themselves, or a relative or friend.

“Knowing that a family member or friend is experiencing issues with alcohol or other drugs, can be incredibly tough,” Dr Lalor said. 

“Given that a major source of support for people experiencing alcohol or other drug harms are family and friends, it’s crucial that people within these support networks have better awareness and access to help and support information for both them and for those that they’re worried about.

“This survey also highlights that many concerned relatives or friends are waiting long periods of time before seeking help. It’s vital that we increase awareness about the benefits of accessing help and support early. 

“Knowing how to support someone can be overwhelming. By seeking information and support for yourself early on, and then starting a conversation with your friend or family member about where to find information or help, and how to minimise the risk of harm, you can help encourage healthier outcomes.

Dr Lalor said she was incredibly saddened to see 12 per cent of those who had considered seeking help for a friend or family member were too embarrassed to ask, while 16 per cent were worried what people would think of them or their relative/friend.

“People should feel no shame about reaching out for help and support. We need stronger investments in initiatives to reduce stigma and encourage greater rates of help-seeking," Dr Lalor continued.

“For people who do experience issues with their alcohol or other drug use, often this has more to do with the other challenges they might be facing. In these situations, our role is to help them with the support they need to be healthy and well.

“Health-based approaches to drug use are also needed and benefit the whole community as they can help to reduce stigma, see more people reaching out for help and support, and reduce drug-related harms such as deaths and disease.”

If a person is concerned about their own, or a family or friend’s alcohol or other drug use, they can call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015 or Family Drug Support Australia on 1300 368 186.

People can also visit adf.org.au for a range of help and support resources, including:

• Path2Help: a tool which connects people with local services in their area and can help them have that initial conversation. 
• Having the Conversation Guide
• Seeking Help

-ENDS-

Media contact: Mikayla Wearne, 0430 948 380 or media@adf.org.au.

Backgrounder:

In May 2023, the Alcohol and Drug Foundation conducted a survey of 3,604 people, aged 18 and over, to understand information and support needs of people who use alcohol and other drugs in Australia, including their support networks.

This report analyses the responses of 367 people concerned about a relative or friend’s alcohol and other drug use to understand their knowledge strengths and gaps, as well as their help-seeking patterns. Findings identified the key barriers and opportunities to address these barriers and increase people’s capability to support a relative or friend’s recovery.