Addressing Substance Abuse

It is unlikely that you will be able to manage to help your partner or yourself to overcome a serious addiction without some professional help. Your first port of call should be your GP or a national and well respected agency specialising in self-help and support. There is literature and information to help you available from the organisations listed below.

If your partner has a serious problem they may be unable to recognise it and may be unwilling to seek help voluntarily. It sometimes takes the threat of the end of a relationship for the substance abuser or addicted party to seek help.

Different addictions and dependency on specific substances will produce different behaviours and symptoms and there are many organisations that offer specific help for the particular abuse in question. However, if you believe you are in physical danger then you should make attempts to remove yourself from the situation, this can be temporary and you can still support your partner through the recovery process.

The following specialist and well recognised organisations cover all areas of the UK and can offer advice and support networks to help you address your specific problems. People experiencing similar difficulties frequently post on our forum and will also offer further advice based on experience.

Alcohol

Alcoholics Anonymous. A self-help group run by recovering alcoholics for alcoholics. Helpline: 0845 769 7555