How to talk about your alcohol or drug use

There are many reasons why you might want to start the conversation about your alcohol or drug use.

Are you thinking about reducing your use and would like help to achieve your goals? Perhaps you are interested in treatment and don’t know where to start? Or do you simply want to tell someone close to you about what’s been going on?

Talking about your alcohol or drug use might make you feel anxious. You may be wondering how much information you should share, or how the other person will respond to you.

It takes courage to open up about what you are going through – but talking to someone is a great first step to receiving help, support and care.

Below are some suggestions to get you started.

Why talk to someone you trust?

Talking to someone about your alcohol or drug use can lift a weight off your shoulders, make your experiences feel real, and help you to make positive changes.

Issues that impact your health and wellbeing are sensitive, so it’s normal to be unsure about where to start or who to go to for support.

Most importantly, choose someone you trust - someone you think will provide you with support. They could be a family member, a friend or health professional.

Talking with someone can help you:

receive support and empathy
get reassurance that your experiences are valid
relieve the burden of keeping something to yourself
connect with someone who may share similar experiences.¹

Plan a good time to talk

Reflect on what will help make your conversation run smoothly. Here are some tips:

choose somewhere you feel comfortable
ensure you have privacy
plan enough time
think about what you do and don’t want to share
practise what you would like to say
decide if you want any information to remain private
let the person know if you want advice or would prefer they just listen.²

It’s good to continue having these conversations. If you feel comfortable, find other people you trust so that you have a wider support network.¹

What should I say?

Taking some time to reflect on what you would like to share can help you feel more comfortable going into the conversation. You could consider:

expressing how you are feeling/the emotions you are experiencing
sharing how your alcohol or drug use is impacting you
asking for support or advice
talking about your goals (this could include how to be safer with your use, reducing your use, or stopping altogether)
sharing your past experiences on what worked or what didn’t work (it’s ok if this isn’t the first time you have tried to seek support).

For more information about communicating how you are feeling: Beyond Blue.

What are the benefits for family and friends?

Starting the conversation can help strengthen relationships, build trust and empower your family or friends to understand and empathise.

It can also encourage them to learn more about the impacts of alcohol and other drug use.

There are alcohol and other drug support services that are available for them too. You could share them during your conversation.

The person you care about in Australia can access information, peer support and referral:

Family Drug Help (VIC, TAS, SA): 1300 660 068
Family Drug Support (NSW, ACT, QLD, NT): 1300 368 186
Parent and Family Drug Support Line (WA): 1800 653 203

Where do I go if I don’t have someone to talk to?

If you don’t have someone you trust to confide in, or you have had a conversation that left you feeling misunderstood, try not to let this prevent you from seeking help.

Try to think of someone else you feel comfortable speaking with, or alternatively there are many great services out there who specialise in supporting people who use alcohol or other drugs.

In each state and territory, there are alcohol and other drug information services that provide 24/7 counselling and support over the phone.

These services can also link you to treatment services and support in your area:

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You can also search services in your area using our Help and Support directory

References

Beyond Blue. Talk about it: Beyond Blue; 2021. [cited 1 June 2021].
healthdirect. How to talk about your mental health concerns: Australian Government Department of Health; 2020. [cited 1 June 2021].