Alcohol and Drugs Use

The signs that someone is addicted are hard to list, as there are so many. Some features may be sleep disturbance, irritability or the breakdown of everyday routines. Concentration is often reduced and physical appearance often deteriorates. Long term use of drugs and/or alcohol can result in more serious long-term physical health problems, brain damage and even mental illness.

If you would like to help a friend or relative to quit then confrontation seldom works. Kicking a drug or alcohol habit requires a high level of personal responsibility where the individual concerned must take charge. If you become confrontational, that person may well withdraw from you and not be open to the help you can give them.

It is far better to suggest that the person seek information on their habit. This will enable them to become more informed about its effects, so that they can make more choices about what they want to do about it. Get your friend or relative thinking; ask questions about the habit; and perhaps find places where they can go to seek advice.

There are rehabilitation centres around the county and the North East region for alcohol and/or drug users that can be used if it is felt that this service is appropriate to your needs.

For more information about the centres, please contact Social Care Direct.

How Much Will it Cost?

Some services are free but others you will have to contribute to. The amount you will have to pay will be looked at during an assessment.