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Are you worried that a friend or loved one may be struggling with drug or alcohol addiction? You may have noticed changes in behaviour, health, mood, relationships, work or responsibilities and feel unsure how to help.
Recovery Scotland is an information and referral support service. We do not admit people to our own programme or provide treatment directly. We can help you understand treatment options and discuss referral routes where appropriate.
Get in Touch
Recovery Scotland can help you understand available treatment pathways and how referral support may work for a loved one.
How To Approach A Friend Who Is Abusing Drugs Or Alcohol
When speaking with a friend about alcohol or drug use, a calm and non-judgemental approach is important. Try to choose a private moment, focus on specific concerns you have noticed and avoid threats, blame or pressure.
It can help to listen first, ask what support they feel ready for and offer practical information rather than forcing a decision. If there is immediate danger, overdose risk, violence, self-harm or urgent medical need, call 999.
Friend Referral Support
If you are worried about a friend or loved one, Recovery Scotland can help you understand addiction treatment options, detox considerations, rehab pathways and questions to ask providers.
Where a referral to a treatment provider may be suitable, the provider will assess the person’s needs, confirm suitability, explain costs and availability, and make any admission decision. Consent and confidentiality should be handled carefully throughout the process.
John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: July 24, 2026
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.
Get Help Today
If you are worried about a friend or loved one, Recovery Scotland can offer confidential guidance and referral support. We can help you understand treatment options, how to approach the conversation and what questions to ask providers.