Coexisting severe mental illness (psychosis) and substance misuse: assessment and management in healthcare settings

Information for families, carers and significant others

If you are a family member, carer or a significant other of someone with psychosis who uses drugs and/or alcohol, you can play an important part in supporting them. Healthcare professionals providing treatment and care for your family member or friend should ask the person whether they would like you to be involved in their care. However, healthcare professionals should respect your family member or friend's privacy if they would prefer to cope on their own.

If your family member or friend agrees to you being involved, you should be given information about psychosis and drug and/or alcohol use and about how you can support them throughout their treatment.

As a family member, carer or a significant other, you may need help and support yourself. Healthcare professionals should give you information about local family and carer support groups and other voluntary organisations, and help you to make contact with them.

If you live with your family member or friend or are in close contact with them, you may be offered a treatment called family intervention.

Anyone with a caring role (that is, a person who provides regular and substantial care) has the right to a carer's assessment.

Healthcare professionals should discuss with you how the person's psychosis and drug and/or alcohol use is affecting you and other family members, especially children. Healthcare professionals should also make sure that your family member's or friend's children have their needs assessed and addressed if necessary.