Phoning Drug and Alcohol phone lines for help for a friend and getting told off

[Gumnut222]

I have a friend who has taken to drinking. They are middle aged and never really drunk before. Their behaviour is very strange and damaging and I am concerned for them. I phoned a Drug and A phone counselling line and the person said,

"it's their right to drink if they want to. It has nothing to do with you"

Her attitude was appalling.

Are they all like this?

It seemed like I had no right to even call if my concerns.

Anywhere I can call without judgement?

[JustJaq]

AlAnon is for family and friends who have been affected by the problematic drinking of another person.

How is this person's drinking affecting you?

[Gumnut222]

Hi It wasn't AlAnon. It was another counselling service. It isn't affecting me directly,just making me feel sad and concerned as they have a mental illness and it's worsening their mental illness.

[JustJaq]

Hi It wasn't AlAnon. It was another counselling service. It isn't affecting me directly,just making me feel sad and concerned as they have a mental illness and it's worsening their mental illness.

I'd suggest calling their treating practitioner if you have serious concerns. Otherwise, if it's not affecting you, I'd stay out of it.

[Gumnut222]

Ok. I don't know if I have the right to call their dr.

[JustJaq]

Ok. I don't know if I have the right to call their dr.

The doctor won't tell you anything, but you can tell them your concerns (mindful though that the patient is likely to find out that someone has called about them).

[Gumnut222]

ok. He is suffering from Bipolar and has severe manic episodes. Ok. Will do.