Worried about a loved one's drug or alcohol use

Overview

You can't force someone to change, but you can share concern, set limits, and get support.

Approaches like CRAFT help families encourage treatment.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Worried about someone else's drug or alcohol use

Less common

• Stress
• Trouble sleeping

When to get medical care

Causes

Addiction is a health condition.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Treatment

Take care of yourself too.

Self-care

• Talk when they're sober, using "I" statements
• Set clear limits
• Join a family group like Al-Anon or SMART Family
• Keep naloxone if opioids are involved

Medicines

Medicines that may help:

OwieClear doesn't give doses: follow the label or your healthcare professional. Medicine names here are examples, not a full list.

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to an addiction medicine doctor or a licensed counselor.

Living with it

• Keep a regular sleep, meal, and activity routine.
• Tell one trusted person how you're doing, and plan who to call on hard days.
• Limit alcohol and drugs. They often make symptoms worse.
• In a crisis, call or text 988 any time.
• Long-term illness can affect mood. Tell your doctor if you feel down or anxious.

Support groups and helplines

• SAMHSA National Helpline: Free, private treatment referrals 24/7: 1-800-662-4357.
• FindTreatment.gov: A government search tool for treatment centers near you.

Back to school, work, or sports

• Most people can keep working or going to school.
• Ask about changes that help, like extra breaks or a flexible schedule. Workers may be covered by the ADA. Students may get a 504 plan.
• The Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) may let you take unpaid time off for treatment without losing your job.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Many mental health medicines are used safely in pregnancy. Stopping suddenly can cause a relapse.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Mood problems can start during or after pregnancy. Postpartum Support International: 1-800-944-4773.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Listen without judging, and let them know you care.
• Encourage treatment, but don't force it unless they're in danger.
• If they talk about suicide, call or text 988 with them.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Recovery is possible with treatment and support.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Where can we find treatment?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Worried about a loved one's drug or alcohol use