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If you are concerned about the alcohol use of someone you care about, it can help to have an honest conversation with them and offer your support.
It’s important to approach a conversation with empathy and sensitivity. Try to pick a place to talk where they are likely to feel safe and comfortable, and a time when they are feeling calm and open to talking.
If you can safely have a conversation, here are some tips that might help:
If you think a conversation would lead to you being unsafe, then it’s best to reach out for support. There are family support and family violence services that may be able to help.
Download a copy of our information sheet Are you concerned about your drinking or the drinking of someone close to you for more information and services you can contact.
Many people stop drinking alcohol when they are pregnant or planning a pregnancy. This is because any alcohol consumed passes directly to the developing baby and can damage the baby’s brain, body and organs.
We can all actively support someone’s decision to have an alcohol-free pregnancy – whether it is through planning social events without alcohol, providing plenty of alcohol-free alternatives, or joining them in going alcohol-free.
You can be an important source of support by:
Learn more about alcohol and pregnancy, and how you can support alcohol-free pregnancies, at Every Moment Matters. You can also download our information sheet What you can do to support someone to have an alcohol-free pregnancy.
Parents remain the single strongest influence on decisions children make around alcohol. It is important parents do not provide alcohol to children and young people — and make the time to speak with them about how to minimise the harms from alcohol.
Some suggestions for these conversations include:
You don’t have to be an expert, but it’s good to be prepared and ready with what you want to say and how, before you talk with your child or young person.
There is information and support available to help facilitate these honest conversations around alcohol. Check out Supporting Family Conversations and Positive Choices for more resources.
For far too many families, alcohol can make the risk of family violence worse. Alcohol use is a contributor to intimate partner violence, increasing both the frequency and severity of that violence.
Everyone has a right to feel safe in their own home. If you, or someone you know is experiencing physical or emotional violence, you can call 1800RESPECT for advice and support or visit 1800respect.org.au.
Alcohol can reduce inhibitions and lead to behaviour you might later regret, such as gambling or excessive online purchasing, which makes financial problems worse.
If you, a friend, or a family member need financial support there are services you can turn to. For financial advice visit the National Debt Helpline or call 1800 007 007. For gambling advice visit Gambling Help Online or call 1800 858 858.
Will you join the community taking action on alcohol?
FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2024 FARE
Privacy Statement
T&C
FARE acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands and waters on which we operate throughout Australia. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and recognise the continuing connection to country of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
©2024 FARE
Privacy Statement
T&C
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