Skip to contentAs a carer you may notice things about the person you care for:
- sudden changes in mood from happy and alert to sullen and moody
- aggressive or irritable behaviour which is out of character
- a loss of interest in school, work, sport or other activities
- unusual sleep patterns or difficulty in sleeping
- unusually secretive and evasive behaviour or lying
- money going missing or belongings being sold
- the person is more concerned with getting their substance
- they are less interested in dealing with other things
- use of room deodorisers and incense
- anger if confronted about their substance use
- they are more often intoxicated, or appear to be
- under the influence of something
- they can be tired, irritable and looks less well
- less interested in every day things
- they are unable to say ‘no’ and have a strong desire for the substance
- using more and more of the substance to get the same effect
- involved in criminal activity
- anxious, depressed or shows symptoms of other mental health problems
As the carer you may feel:
- frustrated and hurt
- unsure how to help
- concerned for the person’s safety and wellbeing
- worried about what will happen in the future
- angry if your help and advice is not accepted
- afraid the police will be involved
- frightened by the person’s behaviour
- feel that the person is beyond help
- worried about the effects on the rest of the family
- worried about financial consequences
Don’t forget to look after yourself as well !
- Share your worries with trusted friends and family members
- Don’t bottle your feelings up – there is nothing wrong with a good cry
- Try and keep in touch with friends
- Go and see your own doctor if you cannot sleep, are exhausted, anxious or depressed
- Make sure that you find time for yourself and do some simple exercise