Why Supporting a Family Member With Addiction Matters, Explained Simply
Supporting a Family Member With Addiction: what it is, why it matters, and what published guidance actually asks of you.
Family support can encourage someone to start treatment, and family members often need support themselves.
Key takeaways
- Addiction: is a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing
- Family approaches: some approaches, such as Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), help families encourage treatment
- Most useful single change: Talk calmly when your loved one is sober, using "I" statements.
- Commonest mistake: Shaming, threatening or lecturing.
- See a doctor if any of the signs under "When to speak to a doctor" below apply to you.
The short answer
Practical ways to help a loved one with a substance use problem while protecting your own health.
Where it fits
This is part of Substance Use. The published position is set out below, along with what it means day to day.
The numbers, in one place
| Measure | Figure |
|---|---|
| Addiction | is a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing |
| Family approaches | some approaches, such as Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT), help families encourage treatment |
| Naloxone | can be bought over the counter at most pharmacies |
| Helpline | the SAMHSA National Helpline (1-800-662-4357) also helps family members |
What that means in practice
What to do with all of that:
- Talk calmly when your loved one is sober, using "I" statements
- Learn about treatment options so you are ready when they want help
- Keep naloxone at home and learn how to use it
- Get support for yourself through counseling or family support groups
What gets people into trouble
The pitfalls worth knowing about:
- Shaming, threatening or lecturing
- Covering up or paying for the consequences of drug use
- Neglecting your own health and safety
Related topics
- Supporting Someone Else: What the Evidence Actually Says (Mental Health)
- Young Caregivers: What Published Guidance Supports (Carers)
- Planning Ahead: What the Evidence Actually Says (Healthy Aging)
- Postpartum Depression: What Published Guidance Supports (Pregnancy and Postpartum)
Where to go next
- Supporting a Family Member With Addiction: Sorting the Evidence From the Noise
- Supporting a Family Member With Addiction: The Practical To-Do List
- Supporting a Family Member With Addiction — the reference entry
- Substance Use: The Complete Guide
- The Evidence on Safe Disposal of Medicines, Without the Hype
- What the Guidance Really Says About Opioid Overdose and Naloxone
When to speak to a doctor
Call 911 for an overdose, seizure, or if anyone is in danger. If your loved one talks about suicide, call or text 988; if there is violence at home, get to safety and call 911.
Where this comes from
- SAMHSA — National Helpline
- National Institute on Drug Abuse — Treatment and Recovery
How this page was put together
Every figure, recommendation and warning above is taken from the guidance named in Where this comes from. Nothing on this page is inferred, summarized or generalized beyond what those bodies publish: where they give a number, it is their number, and where they are silent, so are we. Pages are rebuilt whenever the underlying record changes. Sign-off by a named clinician, where it has happened, is shown at the top of the page along with the date.
Medical disclaimer
This article is general information, not medical advice. It cannot account for your own history, medication or circumstances. Always speak to your doctor, pharmacist or another qualified health professional before making changes that affect your treatment, and never delay seeking medical advice because of something you have read here. In an emergency, call 911.
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