Family & Friends
My family member or friend is struggling with substance use
Your support can save lives.
Loving someone who lives with addiction is not an easy journey, but you are not alone. With the support of your community, you can help save lives by being there for your family and friends when they need you.
You are a steady factor in their life who does not pass judgment. Below, we've compiled stories and resources to help you along the way.
How to respond if you suspect a family member or friend is struggling with SUD
It’s important to process your own emotions and make a plan to support them. You should remind yourself that recovery is possible. To get started, we recommend seeking support for yourself. This support may be a professional therapist well-versed in substance use disorder or a support group. There, you will find guidance from others who are experienced with the matter.
We do not recommend confronting your loved one abruptly or without notice. Give yourself time to remain calm, think through options and get help from others.
Resources
Adult Children of Alcoholics World Service Organization
- View Website
- Non-profit
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA)/Dysfunctional Families is a Twelve Step, Twelve Tradition program of people who grew up in dysfunctional homes. They meet to share experiences of growing up in an environment where abuse, neglect and trauma were present.
BetterHelp Counseling
Online counseling service to match individuals with accessible, affordable and convenient professional counseling. BetterHelp offers access to licensed, trained, experienced, and accredited psychologists (PhD / PsyD), marriage and family therapists (LMFT), clinical social workers (LCSW / LMSW), and board licensed professional counselors (LPC).
SAMSHA
SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.
Narcotics Anonymous
NA is a nonprofit fellowship or society of men and women for whom drugs had become a major problem. They are recovering addicts who meet regularly to help each other stay clean. This is a program of complete abstinence from all drugs. There is only one requirement for membership, the desire to stop using. They suggest that you keep an open mind and give yourself a break.
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Stories & Education
Share Resources & Stories
Get in touch with us to share resources you’ve found helpful and share your story.
St. Charles County Department of Public Health
This website is part of an ongoing effort by the St. Charles County Department of Health to spread awareness about substance use disorder and provide resources for the community.
Funding for this project is provided by the federal Cooperative Agreement for Emergency Response: Public Health Crisis Response issued to the State of Missouri from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).