You can’t control their drinking, but you can understand what’s happening.

Let’s take this one step at a time.

Start here

You don’t need to know all the answers today.

If someone close to you is struggling with alcohol, it can feel confusing, frightening and exhausting.

This page is here to help you slow things down, understand what may be happening, and choose one clear next step.

First, recognise what you’re dealing with

Alcohol problems can affect behaviour, mood, honesty, relationships and family life. Sometimes the signs are obvious. Sometimes they are easy to explain away.

Physical signs Emotional signs

Then, understand what helps — and what doesn’t

You may want to fix things, control the drinking, or force change. That is a natural reaction, but it can leave you exhausted and stuck.

Understanding boundaries Get practical advice

Don’t forget yourself

Supporting someone with alcohol problems can take a real toll on your own wellbeing. Your feelings matter too.

Looking after yourself Read other people’s experiences

You don’t have to do everything at once.

Start with the section that feels closest to what you’re facing today.

In Memory of my son Sean Tierney

and all those lost to Alcoholism