Having conversations about alcohol and other drug issues with families

Listen to Dr Suzie Hudson and Dr Hester Wilson (GP & addiction medicine specialist) talk about how GPs can help families with support and facts on alcohol and drugs if they are concerned about a loved one’s problematic use. Also, the need for the family to prioritise their own wellbeing and understand how important family involvement is in treating someone who is having substance use issues. Resources and services mentioned in this podcast and useful links: • The NSW Health Your Room website (yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/) has general information about alcohol and other drugs and support services. The For Families (https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/families) pages on Your Room has information about navigating the system, self-care and wellbeing and how to talk about alcohol and other drugs with a loved one. • The Drug & Alcohol Specialist Advisory Service is a free 24/7 telephone service that provides general advice to health professionals who may require assistance with the clinical diagnosis and management of patients with alcohol and other drug related concerns. Within Sydney Metropolitan Area: (02) 8382-1006, Regional, Rural & Remote NSW: 1800 023 687 • Support service - Family Drug Support (https://www.fds.org.au/) • Publication - Language matters is a guide for using non stigmatising language (https://nada.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/language_matters_-_online_-_final.pdf) • Publication - Aggression, alcohol and drug use in the home - Support guide for adults (https://yourroom.health.nsw.gov.au/resources/publications/Pages/Aggression-alcohol-and-drug-use-in-the-home-support-guide-for-adults.aspx) • Journal article written by Dr Wilson - How stigmatising language affects people in Australia who use tobacco, alcohol and other drugs (https://www1.racgp.org.au/ajgp/2020/march/how-stigmatising-language-affects-people-in-austra/)