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I'm worried someone I love has an addiction
Noticing changes in someone you love, and not knowing what they mean, can be unsettling and lonely. It's understandable to feel unsure whether you're overreacting or not reacting enough.
Understanding what's happening
There is no single sign that confirms addiction. What tends to matter is a pattern: drinking or drug use that is increasing, becoming harder to control, or continuing despite clear harm to health, work, money or relationships. You don't need to be certain before you seek support for yourself.
Things to consider
- Changes in mood, sleep, secrecy, money or reliability are worth noting, but they can have other causes too.
- Trust what you've seen and heard. Keeping a private note of specific moments can help you think clearly.
- Your loved one may not be ready to talk, and that is not a reflection of how well you've handled it.
- If you ever think someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Possible next steps
- Read about what addiction is and isn't, so you can describe what you're seeing more confidently.
- Plan a calm, private conversation at a time when they are sober.
- Talk it through with a confidential helpline such as FRANK or Drinkline.
- Consider what support you need, whatever your loved one decides.
Read more
What is addiction?
A clear, plain-English introduction to what addiction means.
Read Direction · 2 min readHow to talk to someone about addiction
Preparing for a conversation that feels impossible, and what to do if it doesn't go to plan.
Read Understanding · 2 min readCommon misconceptions
Some widely held beliefs about addiction, and what is closer to the truth.
ReadTrusted UK support
FRANK
Details checked Oct 2026Honest, confidential information and advice about drugs and alcohol, for people who use them and for anyone worried about someone else.
- Who they help:
- Anyone
- Type of support:
- Helpline, Text or chat, Information
- Coverage:
- England, Wales and Northern Ireland
- Availability:
- Phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Drinkline
Details checked Oct 2026A free, confidential helpline for anyone worried about their own drinking or someone else's.
- Who they help:
- Anyone
- Type of support:
- Helpline
- Coverage:
- England
- Availability:
- Weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm
Al-Anon Family Groups UK & Eire
Details checked Oct 2026Support groups for anyone whose life is, or has been, affected by someone else's drinking. Meetings are held in person and online, and there is a confidential helpline.
- Who they help:
- Families, Partners, Parents, Friends
- Type of support:
- Support groups, Helpline
- Coverage:
- UK and Republic of Ireland
- Availability:
- Helpline 10am to 10pm, every day of the year. The helpline cannot return calls, so please don't leave a message.
Families Anonymous
Details checked Oct 2026Self-help groups for families and friends of people who use drugs or have related behavioural problems. Meetings run in person and online.
- Who they help:
- Families, Parents, Partners, Friends
- Type of support:
- Support groups, Helpline
- Coverage:
- UK-wide
- Availability:
- Helpline staffed daily, 1pm to 4pm and 6pm to 9pm
Finding further human support
Helplines such as FRANK and Drinkline are used to hearing from people who are worried about someone else, and you don't need to have all the answers before you call.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 999. Addiction & Us is not an emergency service.