Are you worried about a family member, friend or colleague's drinking habits? <BR><BR>Here are some ideas to help you. You can also contact the Alcohol and Drug Helpline on <STRONG>0800 787 797 </STRONG>for confidential information and advice.<BR><BR>Having someone close to you who drinks heavily can cause a number of problems within your family, relationship or friendship. Common problems include: <UL><LI>People may drink to deal with stress but it can often make it worse<LI>Communication with the person may become difficult<LI>It may be difficult to know how the person is going to behave next<LI>Everything can start to revolve around the drinking<LI>You may feel ashamed of his/her behaviour and become cut off from others<LI>Practical difficulties may include accidents and money, sexual, legal and health problems<LI>Children may understand more about what is going on than parents realise and their behaviour may change<LI>There may be arguments and violence<LI>You may feel responsible

Are you worried about a family member, friend or colleague's drinking habits?

Here are some ideas to help you. You can also contact the Alcohol and Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797 for confidential information and advice.

Having someone close to you who drinks heavily can cause a number of problems within your family, relationship or friendship. Common problems include:

• People may drink to deal with stress but it can often make it worse
• Communication with the person may become difficult
• It may be difficult to know how the person is going to behave next
• Everything can start to revolve around the drinking
• You may feel ashamed of his/her behaviour and become cut off from others
• Practical difficulties may include accidents and money, sexual, legal and health problems
• Children may understand more about what is going on than parents realise and their behaviour may change
• There may be arguments and violence
• You may feel responsible for the person's health, wellbeing or drinking

We are all responsible for our own behaviour so don't accept the blame for someone else's drinking. It isn't your job to diagnose or fix the person.

You need to look after yourself especially if there is a risk of violence. This also means being clear about what you're prepared to accept from the person who is drinking.

You do not have to tolerate violence or abuse. Make sure you know who to contact and where to go. See our Where To Next section for advice on this.

We cannot make someone stop drinking but we can encourage him or her to make changes.

Some other things you could try are:

• Talk about the problems his or her drinking is causing
• Make clear what behaviour you will not accept
• Make clear what action you will take if it still happens. Don't make idle threats. 
• Help the person to be realistic. Don't encourage promises they can't keep.

These things may not actually stop the person drinking but may prompt a change in their behaviour. They need to take responsibility for their drinking. 

If you are concerned about a colleagues drinking you can also contact the Helpline for advice or your workplace Employee Assistance Programme or Health and Safety person if you have one.

We also have a booklet 'Concerned about Someone's Drinking'? It goes into a lot more detail than we can here. To obtain a copy call the Alcohol and Drug Helpline on 0800 787 797