Home / youth service / family and friends
[family and friends]
If you're affected by someone else's use of alcohol or drugs, we're here to support you too. We can help you better understand substance misuse, look at the impact it has on your life, and support you both while positive changes are made.
What is harm reduction?
At NORCAS, we work using a 'harm reduction model'. This means that we help you to identify small achievable goals to enable you to reduce the risks associated with misusing drugs, alcohol or other substances. We give you the facts you need to help you make informed choices about your lifestyle.
Possible signs of alcohol or drug misuse 
- Sudden changes in mood or behaviour
- Loss of interest in school, work or hobbies
- Furtive behaviour or lying
- Loss of appetite, restlessness or sleeplessness
- Change in friends
- Excessive spending or possessions disappearing
- Absences from school, college or work
- Unusual items like tinfoil, tablets, plastic bags
- Unfamiliar smells or stains on skin or clothing.
What should you do?
It's important not to jump to conclusions. Be sure of your facts first and take things one step at a time.
- Check the facts about drugs or alcohol - being well informed helps you talk about the problem
- Be supportive and positive - remember it's the behaviour not the person you're unhappy about
- Talk to someone such as a partner, school or close friend
- Talk calmly to the family member or friend concerned about what and how often they are using
- Talk to us at NORCAS on 01603 767093 or find your nearest NORCAS centre.
Get some help
We offer a range of free, confidential services - like one-to-one counselling, support groups and health checks - that can help to reduce an addiction, make positive changes and keep people safe. See our alcohol services. See our drugs services.
[Join us on...]