Carers

As 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