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Duo mental health diagnosis and alcohol dependency

overwhelmedSisNew Contributor01 Sept 2026, 1:08 am AEST

Duo mental health diagnosis and alcohol dependency

I’m the sibling and primary family member trying to plan for an adult brother with significant mental-health issues and alcohol dependence. His current carer is our elderly mother, who is no longer physically or mentally able to continue caring for him. Our father is terminally ill, and once he dies my mother needs to leave the family home. My brother is unlikely to be able to live independently, doesn’t appear to be making or following through with decisions about his future, and I need help understanding what services, supported accommodation and decision-making pathways are available in NSW.

What happens when an adult with significant mental illness refuses to stop drinking, cannot safely live independently, and their elderly parent can no longer provide housing or care?

i’d like to add that it’s also not safe for him to come live with me due to the safety of my children.

3 replies

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In response to: Duo mental health diagnosis and alcohol dependency

MindfulMangoModerator01 Sept 2026, 3:24 am AEST

Re: Duo mental health diagnosis and alcohol dependency

Hey there @overwhelmedSis

A warm welcome and thanks for sharing your experiences with the community 👋

Supporting a family member with their mental health struggles, whilst also trying to balance the wellbeing of everyone else in the family can be so tough. You're doing really well to think about the potential care that your brother would need, and to try and be prepared.

There are a few options of services that you might be able to reach out to in NSW to get more information around Alcohol dependecy support for your brother.

We encourage you to take a look at the list to get started: https://www.health.nsw.gov.au/aod/Pages/contact-service.aspx

I hope that the community will have some extra insights to share with you soon!

In response to: Duo mental health diagnosis and alcohol dependency

Misty7Senior Contributor01 Sept 2026, 11:17 am AEST

Re: Duo mental health diagnosis and alcohol dependency

Hi@overwhelmedSis,

Sorry to hear that you are experiencing all this weight on your shoulders. I would call centre link and ask to speak to a social worker who can point you in the right direction.

In response to: Duo mental health diagnosis and alcohol dependency

Misty7Senior Contributor01 Sept 2026, 3:11 pm AEST

Re: Duo mental health diagnosis and alcohol dependency

Hi again@overwhelmedSis

The laws are that an adult can make their own decisions about their mental health unless they are a threat to themselves or others. Which puts family members in a really difficult place If your brother doesn't want help and is refusing then there is nothing you can do. He will probably end up homeless. This really sux because when they don't want help and they don't respect your boundaries in your house it ends up been stressful and in arguments. They can then end up in trouble with the police due to being on the streets. However it can also in a strange way, wake them up. Since the law will then dictate that they need treatment and they will have to do it. The best you can do is support him and take a step back and allow them to make decisions for themselves. Otherwise you'll end up very stressed and frustrated.

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