Finding Help For Someone Else

How do I refer someone?

Does someone you care about have a problem with alcohol, drugs, or gambling?

The substance use or gambling problem of one person can become a problem of many people. Those around someone abusing alcohol, drugs or gambling can all be affected. Often friends, co-workers and loved ones can see a substance abuse or gambling problem developing before the people they care about can see it for themselves.

Talk to the person with the problem about your concerns. If they are willing to go for help, support them. Have them call their local AADAC office to talk to a counsellor. Take them to a 12-Step meeting, such as Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous or Gamblers Anonymous.

Help is also available to you, the one concerned about another's substance use or gambling. The person you are concerned about may not be ready to admit he or she might have a problem and may refuse to seek help. There are still steps you can take toward positive change. Consider the following:

1. Get information: Learn about how someone develops a substance use or gambling problem and learn about the steps that can be taken in recovery.
2. Stop hiding the problem: Sometimes those around a person abusing alcohol, drugs or gambling try to cover up the problem. Unfortunately, you help the problem continue if you help someone hide his or her problem.
3. Get help for yourself: Whether or not your loved one seeks help, you can get support to help you make your situation better. AADAC offers information sessions, individual and group counselling for family members. There are also 12-Step programs for family members, such as Alanon, Gamanon and Alateen.

The choices you make to take care of yourself will help you, the rest of your family, and the person with the alcohol, drug or gambling problem.

For more information on the treatment services available through AADAC and its funded agencies and programs, contact your local AADAC office (also listed in your telephone directory under Alberta Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission) Mondays to Friday during office hours, or phone the 24-hour AADAC Help Line at: 1-866-332-2322 (Alberta only).

For information on 12-Step meetings in your community check your phone book.