How to Support Someone With Substance Abuse Family Issues

1. Let Them Talk

People often worry that they don't know enough about addiction to know the right thing to say, and fall into the trap of blaming the family member or the user. Allowing the close family members of someone with alcohol or drug problems to talk about their experiences, and listening non-judgementally to what they say, is far more helpful.

2. Provide Information

Even if you don't know much about alcohol, drugs or addictions, there is plenty of information available on this website, and elsewhere. You may have more access to the internet and other resources, so this is another way you can help. Finding accurate information for the family member can give you and the family member a better understanding of what is going on.

3. Discuss Ways of Coping

There are many different ways that family members try to cope with a close relative's alcohol and drug use. Exploring the ways they have tried to cope, and discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different ways of coping in their particular circumstances can help them find better ways of coping.

4. Discuss How Support For Family Members Can Be Strengthening

You may not feel you can provide all the support they need, but discussing the ways that support for family members can be strengthening will help them get through the experience, and seek further support. Many family members feel isolated and alone, and realizing that it is OK to seek support will be a great help to them.

5. Find Sources of Support For Their Particular Difficulties

There are many different types of stresses and strains that can affect the close relatives of people with substance abuse family problems. Try and figure out with them what the particular stresses are that they are experiencing, and whether there are additional sources of help or support for those stressors.