Repeated harm, difficulty controlling use and unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop can justify a professional assessment. Changes in mood, sleep or routine alone do not establish addiction and may have other explanations.
Look for patterns, not one isolated incident
Changes in sleep, mood, money, work, study, relationships or physical health can have many causes. Concern becomes stronger when several changes appear together and repeatedly coincide with intoxication, withdrawal, secrecy or substance-seeking behaviour.
A calm record of specific events is usually more useful than labels. “You missed work three times after drinking” is easier to discuss than “you are ruining everything.”
Loss of control and repeated consequences
Important warning signs include using more than intended, being unable to cut down despite trying, spending increasing time obtaining or recovering from substances, continuing despite medical or relationship harm, and repeatedly returning to use after serious consequences.
Tolerance and withdrawal can also occur, but their presence and meaning depend on the substance and medical context.
Mental health and safety matter
Substance use can overlap with depression, anxiety, trauma, sleep disturbance, agitation or unusual behaviour. Sudden confusion, severe aggression, overdose, seizures, breathing difficulty or risk of self-harm are not situations to manage through a routine website enquiry.
Urgent safety concerns need emergency or immediate professional assessment.
How to start a conversation
Choose a time when the person is as sober and calm as possible. Use specific observations, express concern without humiliation, and be ready with a practical next step such as an assessment rather than demanding a lifetime promise.
If previous conversations have turned into repeated conflict, professional intervention guidance may help families prepare boundaries and a safer approach.
Assessment creates clarity
A professional assessment can help distinguish immediate withdrawal risk, mental-health needs, the appropriate level of care and whether residential, outpatient or another pathway should be considered. Families do not have to make every treatment decision before seeking advice.
From concern to a useful assessment conversation
Write down observations rather than labels
Record a few factual examples, such as repeated missed responsibilities or continued use despite consequences. Keep the account brief and avoid deciding a diagnosis or arguing about whether the person is an “addict”. A clinician needs context, not a character judgement.
Offer a concrete next step
A supportive opening could be: “I am worried about what has been happening. Would you be willing to talk with a professional?” Choose a calm opportunity when it is safe. If help is declined, relatives may still ask for guidance about boundaries and their own support.
Bring the questions to the right service
The family intervention page covers preparing a treatment conversation. The first recovery steps page explains how an assessment can clarify options. Neither a symptom checklist nor a family discussion replaces individual assessment.
Questions to take into an assessment
- What specific changes or consequences have been observed?
- Could physical or mental-health concerns also be involved?
- What assessment option can be offered without shaming the person?
Sources and further reading
The resources below support general treatment education. They describe international guidance, not the services or emergency arrangements of the PWD branch.
Medical and emergency note
This guide is general information, not individual medical advice. Severe withdrawal, overdose, breathing problems, seizures, chest pain, severe confusion, immediate risk of self-harm or violence require urgent professional or emergency assessment.