You don’t have to navigate this alone.

Families and close friends are often the first to notice something is wrong. You may feel worried, angry, embarrassed, guilty, or simply worn out. Every one of those feelings is understandable.

You can’t control another person’s choices, but you can learn, stay connected, set healthy boundaries, and take care of your own well-being. Those things matter more than you may realize.

• Choose a calm moment — not during a crisis, an argument, or while they are intoxicated.
• Speak from care, not blame. “I’ve noticed you seem exhausted lately, and I’m worried about you” lands better than “You’re ruining everything.”
• Be specific about what you’ve observed, and avoid labels.
• Listen more than you speak. Ask open questions and let silences be.
• Offer concrete help, such as finding information or going with them to an appointment.
• Expect more than one conversation. Change often takes time.

“I love you, I’m worried about you, and I’m here.”

Addiction is a health condition, not a moral failing. People are more likely to accept help when they feel respected rather than shamed.

• Learn about substance use and treatment options so you can share reliable information.
• Notice and encourage positive steps, however small.
• Allow natural consequences rather than rescuing your loved one from every one of them.
• If opioids are involved, keep naloxone in your home and learn how to use it.
• Consider CRAFT (Community Reinforcement and Family Training), an approach that teaches families skills to encourage treatment.

Read more on our Substance Use Recovery page.

• Take their experiences seriously, even if you don’t fully understand them.
• Encourage — but don’t force — a conversation with a doctor or licensed professional.
• Help with practical things: rides, meals, reminders, or a quiet place to rest.
• Encourage them to keep taking prescribed medication as directed and to talk with their prescriber about concerns.
• Stay in touch. Isolation can make things worse.

Read more on our Mental Health page.

Boundaries are not punishments. They are clear, loving limits that protect your safety, your finances, and your well-being — and they help your loved one understand what to expect.

• Decide in advance what you will and won’t do, such as not providing cash or not allowing substance use in your home.
• State boundaries calmly, simply, and ahead of time.
• Follow through consistently. Boundaries without follow-through become confusing.
• Protect children and other vulnerable family members first.

Relapse — a return to substance use or to earlier symptoms — is common, much as symptoms can return in other chronic health conditions. It does not mean recovery has failed. It means the plan needs attention.

Respond with concern rather than condemnation, encourage reconnection with care, and keep your own boundaries in place. After a period without opioids, tolerance drops and overdose risk rises sharply — keep naloxone on hand and call 911 in an emergency.

• Get rest, eat regularly, and keep doing things that bring you joy.
• Talk with someone you trust — a friend, pastor, counselor, or support group.
• Join a family support group such as Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, SMART Recovery Family & Friends, or NAMI programs.
• Consider counseling for yourself. Caregivers deserve care.
• Let go of guilt. You are doing your best in a hard situation.