Family & Friends Support Information

What to Do if a Friend/Family Member is Suffering From Addiction?

If you have a friend or family member who is suffering from addiction, it can be a challenging and emotional situation to navigate. Here are steps you can take to support them:

• Educate yourself about addiction: Understanding the nature of addiction, its causes, and its impact on individuals can help you approach the situation with empathy and knowledge. This will also help you avoid misconceptions and stigma surrounding addiction.
• Communicate with empathy: Approach your friend or family member with compassion and no judgment. Express your concern for their well-being and let them know that you are there to support them.
• Encourage open communication: Create a safe space for your loved one to talk about their struggles, fears, and challenges. Be patient and avoid trying to force them into talking if they are not ready.
• Set boundaries: While it's essential to be supportive, it's also crucial to set healthy boundaries. Avoid enabling their addictive behavior, and don't cover up or make excuses for their actions.
• Offer assistance in finding help: Encourage your loved one to seek professional help from addiction specialists, therapists, or counselors. Offer to help them research treatment options or accompany them to appointments if they are willing.
• Attend support groups: Consider attending support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon, which are designed for family and friends of individuals struggling with addiction. These groups provide a safe space for sharing experiences and gaining valuable insights from others who have been through similar situations.
• Practice self-care: Supporting someone with addiction can be emotionally taxing. Make sure to take care of yourself by seeking your support network, engaging in hobbies, and seeking therapy if needed.
• Recognize the limitations: Remember that you cannot force someone to get help or change their behavior. Ultimately, it's up to the individual to seek help and begin their journey to recovery.
• Be patient and don't give up: Recovery from addiction is often a challenging and long process. Relapses can happen, but that doesn’t mean failure. Continue to offer your support, encouragement, and love, even during difficult times.

If you believe your friend or family member is in immediate danger or experiencing a life-threatening situation due to their addiction, don't hesitate to call 911 or take them to the nearest hospital for immediate assistance.

Parent Addiction Help 

When a family member is struggling with an addiction, the whole family struggles. Sesame Street in Communities offers an educational website with videos and handouts on how to support children and families struggling with parental addiction and strategies on how to build resilience.