If someone is in danger or you are worried about their safety right now, call 000. For crisis support any time, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For alcohol and drug support in Queensland, call Adis on 1800 177 833, 24/7.

Many people put off getting help because they are waiting to feel sure. They tell themselves it isn't that bad yet, or that they should be able to sort it out alone. Wondering whether it is time is often a sign in itself. Asking a question is not the same as signing up for anything.

Signs in your day-to-day life

Health services such as Healthdirect and Adis describe similar warning signs. You might notice that you are:

  • drinking, using or gambling more than you meant to, or for longer than you planned
  • needing more to get the same effect
  • trying to cut down, and finding it doesn't stick
  • spending a lot of time getting, using or recovering
  • missing work, study or family commitments because of it
  • hiding how much, or lying about where money has gone
  • giving up things you used to enjoy
  • carrying on even though it is hurting your health, relationships or finances.

You don't need to tick every box. Even one or two, going on for a while, is enough reason to talk to someone.

Signs in your body

Feeling unwell when you go without can mean your body has become dependent. Shakes, sweats, nausea, anxiety or trouble sleeping when you stop are common examples.

Please don't stop suddenly without medical advice

If you drink heavily every day, or take benzodiazepines regularly, talk to a doctor before stopping or cutting down. Withdrawal from these can be dangerous without medical support.

If withdrawal is likely, it needs to happen first, somewhere safe and supervised. Sapphire does not provide detox on site, but we can help you plan it so there is no gap before a stay. Our guide to detox and rehab explains how the two fit together.

Signs in your mood and mind

Alcohol, drugs and gambling often sit alongside anxiety, depression, trauma, grief or burnout. Sometimes the drinking or using started as a way to cope with those feelings, and now it is making them worse. If you feel low or on edge most days, or you can't remember the last time you felt calm without something to help, that matters too. Treatment can work on both at once.

What the people around you notice

Sometimes the people closest to us see it first. Comments from a partner, a parent or a friend can be hard to hear, and it is natural to feel defensive. It can help to ask yourself what they are worried about, rather than whether they have the details exactly right. If you are the one who is worried about someone else, our guide on how to help someone you love may help.

Gambling counts too

Gambling can take hold in the same way as alcohol or drugs: chasing losses, betting more to feel the same buzz, hiding it, and feeling restless or irritable when you try to stop. Sapphire treats behavioural addictions such as gambling alongside substance use and mental health.

What to do next

You don't need to have a plan before you take a first step. Any of these is a good place to start:

  • See your GP. You don't need to know what you want before you go. They can check whether it is safe to stop, and refer you on.
  • Call Adis on 1800 177 833, any time. It is free, confidential and for Queenslanders, including families.
  • Take our two-minute check. Five questions, no diagnosis, nothing saved about you.
  • Call us on (07) 2111 8100. Fifteen minutes, no pressure, and we only contact you the way you choose.

If Sapphire isn't the right fit, we will tell you honestly and point you somewhere better.

General information only. This post is not a diagnosis or medical advice. Please speak to a GP or call Adis on 1800 177 833 before stopping or reducing alcohol or any medication.

Wondering if it is time? Talk it through.

You don't have to decide anything on the first call. We'll listen, answer your questions and help you work out a next step.

Make a confidential enquiry Call (07) 2111 8100