Shame, fear of judgement or feeling that your difficulties are ‘not serious enough’ can make it hard to seek help for drug or alcohol use.

In this video, Dr Will Barber, Clinical Psychologist, explores common barriers to support, including worries about giving up something you have come to rely on to cope, and the impact of other mental health difficulties.

What might stop someone seeking help for drug or alcohol use?

Shame, guilt and fear of judgement can make it difficult to talk about your experiences. You may worry about rejection from your community, or about giving up something you have come to rely on to cope. Other mental health difficulties can make the prospect of change feel harder still.

It is also common to feel that your difficulties are not “serious enough”, especially when comparing yourself with others. You do not have to wait for things to get worse before seeking support.

Worries about confidentiality can be another barrier. Conversations about drug and alcohol use at the Clinic are confidential, although information may need to be shared if there is a risk to your safety or someone else’s.

Support starts with understanding what matters to you. Setting goals during an assessment is an opportunity to explore your own values, motivations and the changes you want to make. Those goals need to feel personally meaningful.

Recovery can involve ups and downs. A lapse does not erase the days, weeks or months of effort you have already put in, and seeking help is not a test you pass or fail.

An initial conversation with someone you trust, whether a loved one or a professional, can give you space to reflect on your experiences. You do not need to have everything worked out before taking that first step.

If you, or a loved one, are seeking support, you can contact our team here.