General education and peer-support ideas, not treatment or individual legal advice. This content has not received independent clinical review. If you might act on thoughts of harming yourself or someone else, use urgent support now.
Before you begin
You do not need to lose everything before asking for help. You also do not need to decide on a label before saying that something needs to change.
Start with what is happening
Write down what you use, how often and what it is costing you in health, money, work and relationships. Include prescription medicines taken differently from how they were prescribed, alcohol and other substances. Be honest with the clinician you speak to; the details affect safe care.
Try this opening:
“I’m worried about my drug use. I want help, and I need advice on what is safe to do next.”
Call the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015, or arrange a GP appointment. Ask about options, costs and confidentiality if those worries are holding you back.
Make change with a safe plan
Do not attempt a sudden withdrawal or change prescribed medicines based on this article. Some withdrawal can be dangerous; speak with a doctor or drug and alcohol service before stopping or cutting down.
If your use is serious or life-controlling, ask what level of treatment is appropriate. This may include outpatient counselling, a medically supported withdrawal program, residential treatment or a rehab facility. Rehab can help break the cycle by giving you structured support, professional care and time away from the routines or situations that keep the pattern going. It is not a punishment and does not mean you are beyond help.
If you enter rehab, make a plan for staying committed during and after your time there. Ask a trusted mate to help with practical matters, agreed check-ins, transport, follow-up appointments and healthy routines. Let them encourage you when returning home feels difficult, while recognising that your recovery also needs professional and peer support. A mate should not be expected to monitor you constantly, supply money, hide harm or replace your treatment team.
Do not drive, operate machinery or take sole responsibility for children while impaired. Arrange safe support. Avoid mixing drugs with alcohol or other substances; combinations can increase overdose risk.
If you suspect an overdose or develop serious symptoms such as breathing difficulty, seizures or severe chest pain, call 000 immediately. Do not drive yourself for emergency care.
Tell one person what help would look like
“I’m getting advice about my drug use. Could you help me get to the appointment and check in afterwards?”
Do not ask a mate or partner to hide harm, supply money or become your treatment plan. They can care about you and still need boundaries.
Taking responsibility may include acknowledging harm and changing behaviour over time. An apology does not require someone else to trust you immediately. If you have frightened, controlled or hurt someone, say so to the professional helping you and seek support specifically for that behaviour.
Keep the next step within reach
If you return to use after trying to change, contact support again rather than disappearing into shame. Treatment and ongoing support can be adjusted with professional help.
A step today: make the call and give an honest account of what you are using. Ask whether a rehab facility or another structured treatment option may be appropriate.
Optional prayer: “Jesus, help me tell the truth, receive help and take responsibility for the next step.” Prayer and treatment can belong in the same response.
Words you can use
Let someone know.
I’m getting advice about my drug use. Could you help me get to the appointment and check in afterwards?
Nothing is sent by this website. Choose the recipient yourself and only share what feels appropriate. For urgent danger, use emergency support instead of waiting for a reply.
If nobody replies
Try another safe person or a relevant support service. Do not wait for a text reply when you need urgent help. You can contact a professional even if you have never spoken about this before.
Further support and reading
- Australian Government — finding drug and alcohol help
- healthdirect — supporting someone
- withdrawal
- overdose
- medicines and alcohol
- healthdirect — drug and alcohol rehabilitation
Practical examples and reflections are original writing; linked services have not endorsed this mission.
Share the other side of the conversation
Help a mate understand.
You could share the companion article and tell him which kind of support would help you.
When You’re Worried About a Mate’s Drug Use →You do not have to carry this alone.
Reach out to a trusted person and use the specialist support linked in the article when needed. Men’s Mission Australia offers practical information and encouragement; it is not an emergency, counselling or treatment service.
For financial pressure and debt concerns, Hope Economy may offer an additional support pathway. Visit its website for current information about its services. Availability, eligibility and referral processes may vary.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 000. For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. For general mission enquiries: support@mensmissionaustralia.org. This is a volunteer-run mission. We aim to reply within 24 hours, but responses may take longer. Do not wait for an email reply if urgent help is needed.