Talking about Drugs

Family and friends of people who use alcohol and other drugs (AOD) often feel isolated, powerless, and confused. Talking about it can feel overwhelming, and you may not know where to start. In this resource you’ll find some helpful tips on how to approach a conversation with your friend or family member about the impact of their alcohol and other drug use

It can be upsetting to find out that a young person is using drugs. However, there are lots of places that can help them with their drug use. Importantly, there are also places that you can go to get support for yourself while you assist them. This conversation gives you some tips on how to handle finding out a young person is using drugs, or has an addiction.

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As a carer it is normal to worry about young people's safety, particularly when they become old enough to start going to parties, or to think about trying drugs. The good news is that you can help keep young people safe through their teenage years and beyond. This conversation will help you do just that.

Puberty, bullying and 'the birds and the bees'. There are all sorts of big talks that we have with the young people in our lives. At some point, you may find that alcohol, tobacco or other drugs is something you'd like to cover. This 'Community Conversation' is designed to help you have that talk.

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Family Drug Support Online is designed to provide support for families and friends of people using drugs and alcohol - to help them become more resilient and better able to cope on their journey with the user.

The site offers different support for different circumstances. Where the drug use has been going on for some time, the site presents a series of video chapters about a family support group. The chapters are designed to be viewed in order. The group is led by family drug support specialist Tony Trimingham, OAM.

On the site, 'drugs' also includes alcohol, and 'families' includes friends of drug users.

With a master’s degree in clinical social work, Karen has seen first-hand that addiction is a tragedy with a profound effect on the family. She has ideas on how we can support families in combatting the devastating effects of this disease.

This booklet from the Government of Western Australia is for anyone concerned about a loved one's alcohol or drug use. It looks at topics like:

• The importance of parents and families
• Common reactions and feelings
• Facing drug use in the family

And much more.

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Please note this resource was created outside of Tasmania: it may contain links for services not available in the state.

It’s much more than a casual drink or a pain pill now and again. In the United States of America, more middle-aged and older adults are misusing alcohol, opioids, heroin, and marijuana. It's been called the "invisible epidemic."  But knowing what to look out for can help you protect yourself or a loved one.

This information does not contain Australian statistics, but contains useful information for Tasmanians.

As a parent of a teenager, drugs can feel like a daunting topic to discuss. ReachOut spoke to Associate Professor Cath Chapman and Associate Professor Nicola Newton of the University of Sydney’s Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use to learn as much as possible about the best ways for parents to handle the issue.

The Party Rules resource was developed to inform parents and young people about the legislation regarding holding functions and parties with alcohol, for those under 18 years of age.

Use the Printable checklist to plan your own party!

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A community brochure that explores how to talk about alcohol and other drugs with your children at various ages.

This brochure was created in collaboration with the Australian Lions Wellness Foundation (ALWF) (Formerly ALDAF).

If your teenager wants to attend or host a party, what do you need to know as a parent or guardian to keep them safe and healthy? This factsheet from Positive Choices provides useful information to help you and your teens party safe.