Signs people often notice

None of these prove anything alone. Patterns over time matter more than one hard night.

• Drinking or using more often, or needing more to feel the same effect
• Hiding use, lying about it, or getting defensive when you ask
• Missing work, school, or family plans because of use or recovery from it
• Money trouble tied to alcohol or drugs
• Mood swings, withdrawal, or “not themselves” when they cannot use
• Driving after drinking or using, or other risky choices
• Broken promises to cut back, even when they mean them
• You feel scared, exhausted, or like you are walking on eggshells

What to do first

1. 1. Take a breath for you

   If you need a quiet second, use Need a second in Help. Your steadiness helps more than a perfect speech.

2. 2. Talk when things are calm

   Short, specific, kind. Share what you see and how you feel. Avoid lectures in the middle of a crisis if you can wait.

3. 3. Offer a real option

   A meeting tonight, a helpline, or treatment search. One clear invitation beats a long argument.

4. 4. Get support for yourself

   Al-Anon is for families and friends. You do not need their permission to go. Listening in a room can make the next week lighter.

5. 5. If someone is in danger now

   Call your local crisis line or emergency services. GetHelp is a meeting finder, not emergency care.

Signs people often notice

None of these prove anything alone. Patterns over time matter more than one hard night.

• Drinking or using more often, or needing more to feel the same effect
• Hiding use, lying about it, or getting defensive when you ask
• Missing work, school, or family plans because of use or recovery from it
• Money trouble tied to alcohol or drugs
• Mood swings, withdrawal, or “not themselves” when they cannot use
• Driving after drinking or using, or other risky choices
• Broken promises to cut back, even when they mean them
• You feel scared, exhausted, or like you are walking on eggshells

What to do first

1. 1. Take a breath for you

   If you need a quiet second, use Need a second in Help. Your steadiness helps more than a perfect speech.

2. 2. Talk when things are calm

   Short, specific, kind. Share what you see and how you feel. Avoid lectures in the middle of a crisis if you can wait.

3. 3. Offer a real option

   A meeting tonight, a helpline, or treatment search. One clear invitation beats a long argument.

4. 4. Get support for yourself

   Al-Anon is for families and friends. You do not need their permission to go. Listening in a room can make the next week lighter.

5. 5. If someone is in danger now

   Call your local crisis line or emergency services. GetHelp is a meeting finder, not emergency care.