Is someone close to you living with alcohol, other drug or gambling challenges?
Are you wondering how you can support them? Or do you need some support yourself?
If someone you care about is living with addiction or mental health challenges, you may be wondering how to support them and how to take care of yourself.
It’s understandable if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed and not quite sure what to do next.
When we are supporting others, it is important that we also take care of ourselves. You might be on this journey together for some time and checking in on your own wellbeing is essential.
Below, you’ll find information about services available for someone you might be supporting, as well as options to support you.
Support for someone you are supporting
At Odyssey we offer a wide range of support for people facing alcohol, other drug or gambling challenges. These include:
The person you care about might not be ready to seek support right now. They might be feeling unsure about the options available to them. However, knowing that you are on this journey with them will mean a lot.
If Odyssey isn’t the right fit for your whānau member or friend, there are different options available – we’ve identified some helplines, service directories and other web resources that are a good place to start.
When they are ready, encourage them to speak with their GP or another health professional to identify the support options that might suit their current situation.
The NZ Drug Foundation has some more tips to help you support them too: Helping someone
Support for you
It’s also important for you to look after yourself during this journey.
At Odyssey
Odyssey offers two services in the community that offer support for whānau and caregivers:
Be SMART – weekly support groups in Auckland and Whangarei for people whose lives are impacted by the addictive behaviours of someone close to them.
Te Puawai Aroha – a holiday programme for children and young people whose parents or caregivers may be living with mental health or addiction challenges.
We also host Brave Hearts meetings each month at our community hub in New Lynn which is a free support service for families and whānau. Visit Brave Hearts for details about upcoming events.
Elsewhere in the community
There are a number of directory services that can help you locate family or whānau services near you:
Alcohol Drug Helpline: Service directory
Health Navigator: Alcohol and other drug support services
Health Navigator: Gambling support
Health Point: Mental Health and Addictions service directory
Brave Hearts - a free support service for families and whānau. Visit their website or call 0508 2727 834 to find out about group meetings or to talk to someone about other support options.
Helplines
Al-Anon / Alateen
Freephone 0508 425266
Hope and help for adults and young people, who are the relatives and friends of someone with alcohol challenges.
Supporting Families with mental health and wellbeing
0800 732 825
Web resources
NZ Drug Foundation: Looking after yourself
Ministry of Health: help for family, whānau and friends
Kina Trust - An online resources to support family, whānau and friends
Kina Trust: Living well brochure
Life strategies for family, whānau, and friends of people using alcohol and other drugs (a booklet)
Matua raki: We are family booklet
Stories of family and whānau affected by someone else's use of alcohol or other drugs (a booklet)
Together it’s possible
