How to Get Help for Your Son or Daughter Struggling With Addiction
If your adult child is struggling with alcohol or drugs, you have more options than ‘wait for rock bottom’ or ‘send them to rehab.’ In Australia, support ranges from GP referrals and psychologists to residential programs and private recovery coaching. The right starting point depends on three things: whether they acknowledge the problem, whether there’s any immediate safety risk, and how much structure they need day-to-day.
Step 1 — If there’s immediate risk, start with crisis services
If you’re concerned about immediate safety, contact 000 for emergencies, Lifeline on 13 11 14, or the National Alcohol & Other Drug Hotline on 1800 250 015.
Step 2 — Understand the options
- GP or psychologist — clinical assessment and treatment, the standard first referral point for professional diagnosis and medically supervised support.
- Residential rehab — intensive and clinically structured, but disruptive to work, study and family life.
- Recovery coaching — non-clinical, flexible and accountability-focused, designed to fit around existing commitments.
- Peer support groups — free and community-based, offering shared experience and ongoing connection.
Step 3 — What to say when they’re not ready
When someone isn’t ready to engage, low-stakes asks work better than ultimatums. Try something like: “I’m not going to lecture you. I found someone who isn’t a doctor and isn’t a rehab — just someone who helps people figure out their next step. Would you do one phone call?” Removing pressure and labels reduces defensiveness and makes it easier for someone to say yes to a first conversation.
Where Redwood fits
Redwood provides private, non-clinical recovery coaching in Sydney, Melbourne and the Gold Coast. We don’t provide medical or clinical treatment, and we make no promises about outcomes — recovery is individual. What we provide is structure, accountability, weekly coaching, and family sessions so you’re supported throughout the process too.