How can I tell if someone is using drugs?

It’s not always obvious if someone is using alcohol or other drugs. Possible signs may include:

• changes in mood or behaviour
• changes to appetite, energy levels, or libido
• difficulty managing work, finances, and relationships.^{1, 2}

But these don’t necessarily mean a person is using alcohol and other drugs or experiencing dependence. Instead, they may be:

• stressed
• experiencing problems with school or work
• experiencing mental ill health
• having difficulty sleeping.

And young people are likely to display some of these behaviours as a result of changes during adolescence.³

If you’re concerned about someone’s alcohol or drug use or think they’re using substances, it’s important to reach out and get some support on how to approach next steps with them.

This may include talking with your GP or other health professional, or calling peer-based helpline services that support families and friends concerned about someone’s substance use.

Services

Alcohol and other drug support

• National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline - this free and confidential hotline provides support and advice about alcohol and other drugs. including available treatment options and local services.
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1800 250 015
• Counselling Online - A free and confidential online service that provides support to people across Australia affected by alcohol or drug use.
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Family and friends

• Family Drug and Gambling Help – VIC, SA, TAS
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1300 660 068
• Family Drug Support – NSW, ACT, NT, QLD
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1300 368 186
• Parent and Family Drug Support Line – WA
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1800 653 203
• Youth Drugs and Alcohol Advice – Victoria
  9am - 8pm, Monday to Friday 1800 458 685

Further specialist support

• 1800 Respect – 24/7 domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Quick exit of the website is available.
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1800 737 732
• Lifeline – Support for people experiencing emotional distress with 24/7 crisis and suicide prevention services.
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service - 24/7 phone and online counselling to people affected by suicide
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1300 659 467
• QLIFE - Anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships.
  3pm – midnight, 7 days a week 1800 184 527
• 13 Yarn - 24/7 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line.
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week 13 92 76
• Kids Helpline - 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25
  24 hours a day, 7 days a week 1800 55 1800
• National Legal Aid - Helps you find legal advice by connecting you with your local state/territory-based legal aid services.
  Typically, Monday – Friday, 9am– 5pm

For alcohol and other drug information you can chat to us by email Drug Info email: druginfo@adf.org.au Monday – Friday, 9am -5pm