Welcome to our thread which will address how to support your loves ones who may struggling with addiction or substance abuse OR who may be in recovery 
It is sometimes hard to know what actions you can take to help those around you who are struggling. Therefore, we hope this forum can be a great base for knowledge to be gained on how to help someone who needs help or support loves ones who are recovering. We hope this thread can also be a support network for the family and friends of those experiencing addiciton and substance abuse disorder, as those who provide support also need a shoulder to rely on or someone to relate to.
How do I know if someone needs help for drug or alcohol use?
- Behavioural cues; sudden changes in behaviour, mood swings, withdrawal some being social, loss of interest in hobbies or personal neglect
- Physical cues; blood shot eyes, runny nose, frequent nose bleeds, sudden weight gain or loss or unstable coordination
How can you help?
It can feel uncomfortable to approach someone you care for about their substance use or addiction, however, it is important to start the conversation. You can help by always trying to understand that your friend may not see the problem. Try to be as positive as possible, showing support but also being honest for their benefit. It is important to avoid using emotional appeals, as addiciton or substance abuse is a disease not a choice.
Tips for supporting loves ones who are recovering from addiction.
If someone you care about is going through recovery, you can be a major source of support however it is important to also look after yourself. If you need further help or advice, the below services offer great support for family and friends:
1. Trying your best to understand addiction
Addiction and substance abuse can be influenced by many factors. It can be tough for family and friends to understand addiction when it’s something you’ve never experienced. But, learning more about addiction can help you better understand what your loved one is going through and why. Websites you can access to read more and understand addiction and substance abuse include:
Acknowledging and celebrating any positive achievements No matter how big or small.
3. Be patient.
This is extremely important as recovery can take a long time and can come with many ups and downs. Being patient and understanding is paramount.
4. Encourage healthy habits and coping strategies
Healthy life choices and routine can really assist an individual so be mentally healthy and positive. Having a positive mental state, can be beneficial when being sober and in recovery.
5. Access peer support groups.
Traditional support for loved ones can be found through mutual help groups such as Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, SMART Family & Friends, and other such groups as well as via family support groups provided by various inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment centers or addiction specialists, or via seeing a therapist specializing in addiction and family dynamics.
How do I start a conversation about someone’s drug or alcohol use?
It’s OK to approach your loved ones directly about substance abuse or addiction. However there are many do’s and dont’s to keep mind…
Do’s: express opinion with concern, listen, respect their feelings and emotion, be non-judgemental, check in regularly and be understanding.
Dont’s: be judgemental, put pressure on them to talk, make them feel guilty, bribe or threat or use any negative labels/connotations.
We hope information/guide can help you support any loved ones who may be experiencing addiction or substance abuse. Please feel free to reply, adding any comments or personal experiences that could help others. Also, utilise the thread as a platform for gaining your own support, building connection with others who are also supporting loved ones.
Joplin Clinic
References
How to help a friend with drug addiction. (n.d.). Helping Friends | ReachOut Australia.
Healthdirect Australia. (2022, September 7). How to help someone who is misusing drugs or alcohol.
Supporting someone through recovery - Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (n.d.).
Pct, B. B. M. S. (2023, October 19). 7 tips for supporting loved ones who are recovering from addiction. HealthPartners Blog.
Sternlicht, L. S. &. A. (n.d.). 10 Tips For How To Support Someone In Recovery From Addiction: Family Addiction Specialist: Addiction Counselor. Aaron Sternlicht, LMHC, MS, CASAC.
It is sometimes hard to know what actions you can take to help those around you who are struggling. Therefore, we hope this forum can be a great base for knowledge to be gained on how to help someone who needs help or support loves ones who are recovering. We hope this thread can also be a support network for the family and friends of those experiencing addiciton and substance abuse disorder, as those who provide support also need a shoulder to rely on or someone to relate to.
How do I know if someone needs help for drug or alcohol use?
- Behavioural cues; sudden changes in behaviour, mood swings, withdrawal some being social, loss of interest in hobbies or personal neglect
- Physical cues; blood shot eyes, runny nose, frequent nose bleeds, sudden weight gain or loss or unstable coordination
How can you help?
It can feel uncomfortable to approach someone you care for about their substance use or addiction, however, it is important to start the conversation. You can help by always trying to understand that your friend may not see the problem. Try to be as positive as possible, showing support but also being honest for their benefit. It is important to avoid using emotional appeals, as addiciton or substance abuse is a disease not a choice.
Tips for supporting loves ones who are recovering from addiction.
If someone you care about is going through recovery, you can be a major source of support however it is important to also look after yourself. If you need further help or advice, the below services offer great support for family and friends:
- (VIC, SA, TAS) – [1300 660 068]
- (NSW, QLD NT, ACT) – [1300 368 186]
- (WA) – [1800 653 203]
1. Trying your best to understand addiction
Addiction and substance abuse can be influenced by many factors. It can be tough for family and friends to understand addiction when it’s something you’ve never experienced. But, learning more about addiction can help you better understand what your loved one is going through and why. Websites you can access to read more and understand addiction and substance abuse include:
Acknowledging and celebrating any positive achievements No matter how big or small.
3. Be patient.
This is extremely important as recovery can take a long time and can come with many ups and downs. Being patient and understanding is paramount.
4. Encourage healthy habits and coping strategies
Healthy life choices and routine can really assist an individual so be mentally healthy and positive. Having a positive mental state, can be beneficial when being sober and in recovery.
5. Access peer support groups.
Traditional support for loved ones can be found through mutual help groups such as Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, SMART Family & Friends, and other such groups as well as via family support groups provided by various inpatient or outpatient addiction treatment centers or addiction specialists, or via seeing a therapist specializing in addiction and family dynamics.
How do I start a conversation about someone’s drug or alcohol use?
It’s OK to approach your loved ones directly about substance abuse or addiction. However there are many do’s and dont’s to keep mind…
Do’s: express opinion with concern, listen, respect their feelings and emotion, be non-judgemental, check in regularly and be understanding.
Dont’s: be judgemental, put pressure on them to talk, make them feel guilty, bribe or threat or use any negative labels/connotations.
We hope information/guide can help you support any loved ones who may be experiencing addiction or substance abuse. Please feel free to reply, adding any comments or personal experiences that could help others. Also, utilise the thread as a platform for gaining your own support, building connection with others who are also supporting loved ones.
Joplin Clinic
References
How to help a friend with drug addiction. (n.d.). Helping Friends | ReachOut Australia.
Healthdirect Australia. (2022, September 7). How to help someone who is misusing drugs or alcohol.
Supporting someone through recovery - Alcohol and Drug Foundation. (n.d.).
Pct, B. B. M. S. (2023, October 19). 7 tips for supporting loved ones who are recovering from addiction. HealthPartners Blog.
Sternlicht, L. S. &. A. (n.d.). 10 Tips For How To Support Someone In Recovery From Addiction: Family Addiction Specialist: Addiction Counselor. Aaron Sternlicht, LMHC, MS, CASAC.
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