Supporting Loved Ones Through Addiction

Over 48 million Americans live with a substance use disorder (SUD) in the U.S. If you care about someone addicted to a substance, it can be hard to support them through this period of life. Addiction can happen to anyone at any time, and it is difficult to navigate as a loved one. Learning about addiction, treatment options and recovery can help you support a loved one through their addiction and onto the path of recovery. Addiction is chronic, yet treatable.

• Many factors influence how someone becomes addicted. It is a treatable disease affecting both the body and the mind, not the result of weakness.
• SUDs include alcohol, prescription drugs and street drugs.
• The person struggling with addiction may not be aware of or accept their situation. They also may not wish to seek treatment and begin the road to recovery.
• Recovery is a process involving many pathways to sobriety, and personal changes to improve overall health, wellbeing, relationships and personal outlook.
• Recognize that recovery is a very personal experience. It is a lifelong process that your loved one will need support throughout.
• Some individuals struggling with addiction may need medication treatment. This does not mean they are incapable of recovery or replacing one behavior with another.
• Understand that progress is often not linear. The key is progress over perfection.

Being present for a loved one during this difficult time is essential to their success. A strong support group of family, peers and social networks can help them work through the treatment process and actively engage in their recovery. It is important to know that not every person receives help or support in the same way. Ask your loved one the best way to support them during this time.

• Do not guilt, shame or blame your loved one for their addiction. This may be difficult as many individuals struggling with addiction may not recognize the impact of their actions. Seek out individual support as you navigate your own struggles related to supporting someone living with addiction, if necessary.
• Recognize that oftentimes stigma, negative stereotypes and the language you use when you communicate with someone with an SUD can impact their willingness to seek treatment. Use person-first language. For example, “someone living with addiction” versus “addict”, “junkie” or “alcoholic”. If someone asks you to use specific words to describe their addiction, listen to them and use their preferred terms.
• As you navigate how to best support your loved one, do your best to show compassion and empathy. There are likely many factors that play into your loved one’s struggle with addiction beyond alcohol or drug use itself. For example, they may live with past trauma or mental health issues. Often, substance use is a coping mechanism. Approaching support through a compassionate and empathetic lens can greatly increase their chances of pursuing and sticking to treatment.

When caring for someone with an SUD, you can be at risk for codependency. Since it is generally human nature to help others, you may knowingly or unknowingly spend extra time nurturing, protecting and supporting someone with an SUD. This can lead to enabling their negative behaviors. Individuals in SUD-based codependent relationships typically focus more on the needs of the person living with SUD. The receiver of this attention may or may not recognize they are taking advantage of the giver. Recognizing and reducing codependent behavior is important to your health, wellbeing and the recovery process for the person living with an SUD.