• Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
  • Mental Health
    • Anxiety
      • What is Anxiety?
      • Types of Anxiety Disorders
      • Signs & Symptoms of Anxiety
      • Treatments for Anxiety
      • Anxiety Statistics
      • See More Anxiety Content
      • Find an Anxiety Specialist
    • Depression
      • What is Depression?
      • Types of Depression
      • Signs & Symptoms of Depression
      • Treatments for Depression
      • Depression Statistics
      • Find a Depression Specialist
    • Bipolar Disorder
      • What is Bipolar Disorder?
      • Bipolar I vs. Bipolar II
      • Signs & Symptoms of Bipolar Disorder
      • What Are Bipolar Disorder Cycles?
      • Treatments for Bipolar Disorder
      • Find a Bipolar Disorder Specialist
    • ADHD
      • What is ADHD?
      • ADHD Signs & Symptoms
      • ADHD & Depression
      • Find an ADHD Specialist
    • Addiction
      • What is Addiction?
      • What Are Behavioral Addictions?
      • Addiction vs Dependence
      • Addiction Myths vs Facts
      • Addiction Statistics
      • How to Help a Friend
      • Find an Addiction Specialist
    • Eating Disorders
      • Anorexia
      • Bulimia
    • Personality Disorders
      • Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
        • OCD vs. OCPD
    • Trauma
      • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
        • PTSD & COVID-19
      • Childhood Trauma
    • Sexual Disorders
      • Anorgasmia
      • Female Sexual Arousal Disorder (FSAD)
      • Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD)
      • Premature Ejaculation (PE)
      • Delayed Ejaculation
    • Schizophrenia
  • Therapy Techniques
    • Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy
      • Online Therapy for Teens
      • Best LGBTQ Online Therapy
      • Best Online Therapy for Insurance
    • Psychotherapy
    • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
      • CBT for Anxiety
      • CBT for Social Anxiety
      • CBT for Panic Disorder
      • CBT for Insomnia
      • CBT Online
    • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
      • DBT for Teens
    • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
    • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
      • EMDR for PTSD
      • EMDR for Anxiety
      • EMDR Online
    • Art Therapy
    • Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
    • Exposure and Response Prevention
    • Group Therapy
    • Hypnotherapy
    • Motivational Interviewing
    • Person Centered Therapy
    • Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy
    • Sex Therapy
  • Types of Therapists
    • Faith-Based & Christian Counselors
    • Life Coaching
    • Family Therapist
      • Child & Teen Counseling
    • Marriage & Couples Counselors
      • Premarital Counseling
    • Psychiatrist
      • Psychology vs. Psychiatry
    • Psychotherapist
    • Grief Counselors
    • Online Therapists
  • Starting Therapy FAQ
    • Does Therapy Work?
      • How to Find a Therapist
      • Helping a Friend or Loved One
    • How to Choose a Therapist
      • Finding a Black Therapist
      • Finding a Latinx Therapist
      • Finding an LGBTQ-Friendly Therapist
      • Finding a Therapist as a Young Adult
      • Finding an Online Therapist
    • Preparing for Your First Session
    • Types of Mental Health Professionals
    • Mental Health Insurance
      • HSAs for Therapy
      • Sliding Scale Therapy Fees
    • Mental Health in the Workplace
      • Asking for a Mental Health Day
      • Taking Time Off for Mental Health
    • Top Mental Health Organizations
      • Mental Health Resources Outside the U.S.
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Editorial Policy
    • Advertising Policy
    • Privacy Policy
    • Contact Us
    • Write for Us
    • Join the Directory
    • Careers
  • Therapist Directory
    • Find a Therapist
    • Join the Directory
    • Directory Login
Skip to content

How to Get Help for a Loved One or Friend With an Addiction

Published: December 1, 2020 Updated: January 25, 2023
Published: 12/01/2020 Updated: 01/25/2023
Headshot of Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC
Written by:

Matt Glowiak

PhD, LCPC
Headshot of Meera Patel, DO
Reviewed by:

Meera Patel

DO
  • How Will I Know When to Help a Loved One with an Addiction?When to Help
  • What Can I Do to Help a Loved One With an Addiction?What to Do
  • What Emotional Support Can I Offer?Emotional Support
  • What Practical Support Can I Offer?Practical Support
  • How to Talk About Addiction With a Loved OneTalk About It
  • What If My Loved One Doesn’t Want My Help With an Addiction?Don't Want Help
  • What Should I Do in an Emergency or Crisis?Emergency
  • Make Sure You’re Caring for Yourself, TooSelf-Care
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • How to Get Help for a Loved One or Friend With an Addiction InfographicsInfographics
Headshot of Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC
Written by:

Matt Glowiak

PhD, LCPC
Headshot of Meera Patel, DO
Reviewed by:

Meera Patel

DO

The best way to help a loved one or friend with addiction is by getting actively involved. Involvement should be both intentional and supportive. This begins with an informed understanding of addiction signs and symptoms. Next is the difficult conversation. From there, you may begin collaborating in terms of setting new boundaries, seeking out treatment, and how you make work together throughout the recovery process.

Will my insurance pay for a Rehab Center?

Call (855) 236-2993 Free & Confidential

Get Help Breaking Your Addiction At A Comfortable Facility Under The Care Of Medical Professionals.

  • Rehab centers provide treatment for alcohol, opioid, kratom, heroin, and behavioral addictions including eating disorders.
  • Most rehab centers work with multiple insurers and for free will look up your insurance benefits.
  • If you like the rehab center, you can book a tour.

This is a paid advertisement. Calls are distributed to participating rehab centers in a round-robin format.

Button

How Will I Know When to Help a Loved One with an Addiction?

It is likely that you have sensed something off about your loved one for some time now. What started off as subtle warning signs that were at first easy to shrug off have now become glaringly obvious. Not only are you struggling with watching your loved one struggle, but you, too, are now experiencing distress. Having dealt with the issue for longer than you can possibly stand, you have decided that the time to act is now. And you are right because the sooner you act, the sooner your loved one may hopefully accept treatment. Every moment counts.

Through extensive research, The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5), has devised a set of criteria that indicate a diagnosable addiction disorder. While such symptoms may be readily recognized by trained professionals or even known by your loved one struggling with addiction, most are internalized, meaning that they are not visibly apparent from the outside looking in.1 It is important, then, to consider some of the more common warning signs that are outwardly apparent.1

Common warning signs of an addiction issue that are more outwardly apparent include your loved one:

  • Appearing intoxicated more often
  • Experiencing cognitive and memory complications
  • Sleeping more or less often and/or at irregular hours
  • Appearing unwell or tired
  • Expressing emotional liability or an overall change of mood from the norm
  • Being lethargic or demonstrating less interest in things once enjoyed
  • Struggling with social relationships at home, work, school, and elsewhere
  • Distancing from loved ones and friends who may serve as sober support
  • Stealing money or other valuable items to pay for their addiction
  • Lying about their addiction
  • Becoming agitated when confronted about the addiction
  • Demonstrating withdrawal symptoms when not intoxicated
  • Neglecting their appearance or hygiene1

Know that if your gut instinct is telling you that something is off with your loved one, that you may be right. Rather than wait and see, it is recommended to have a conversation as soon as possible—especially if any of the above signs are present. It is better to speak up and be wrong than to not say anything and allow the addiction to take a stronger hold on the person.

What Can I Do to Help a Loved One With an Addiction?

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to help a loved one with an addiction. Unfortunately, these things are oftentimes easier said than done. That said, it is important to first prepare yourself to help. Thoughts to consider are as follows: “Why do I think this person needs help?” “Why do I want to help this person?” “How has this addiction impacted my life as well as the lives of other loved ones?” By carefully considering the answers to these questions you may begin developing the supportive mindset necessary to help your loved one.

Because the road to recovery is oftentimes a long and winding one, it is also important to consider to what extent you are willing to help. The more involved you can be, the better. There are cases, however, where your loved one may not want you to be involved. In others, it may prove clinically inappropriate, especially in the beginning. Either way, it is important to consider your level of involvement and set boundaries around that.

Consider what you need in terms of resources and support—the recovery process will not only be taxing on your loved one but you as well. It is likely that you have already experienced emotional distress atop other challenges, so it is important that you are supported throughout this process. Personal therapy helps, while groups such as Al-Anon and Nar-Anon have also proven effective.

What Emotional Support Can I Offer?

Emotional support is of utmost importance throughout this time. Though it might prove challenging, it is important that the emotional support provided is as authentic and positive as possible. That is, it must come from a loving place of genuine concern. Such support is not only offered through words but actions as well.

Support may begin through active listening. This is done by focusing solely on what your loved one is saying and not allowing personal thoughts, judgments, or your voice to intervene. Although it is unlikely you will agree with everything said, what is said is the reality of that individual. To move forward, it is important to—first and foremost—meet your loved one where they are at. The better you actively listen, the better you will understand the situation. Your loved one will also feel heard and likely become more receptive to what you have to say in return.

Regularly checking in is also important. It is not enough to say something once and allow nature to take its course. After the initial conversation, continually check in. One need not constantly place pressure upon the topic, but a simple, “How are you doing? Is there anything I can do to help?” can go a long way. Perhaps your loved one is not ready to change yet, but when they are, you are now a trusted person to reach out to for support.

What Practical Support Can I Offer?

As with just about anything else, it is important to learn as much as possible about the problem before considering appropriate solutions. Accordingly, becoming informed on addiction is key. This article has already provided some common warning signs and risk factors, however, there is a wealth of information available online and elsewhere. When conducting research, it is important to review information from credible resources that are supported through research. If you know the particular condition one is struggling with, researching that narrows down the focus even further.

After learning more about the condition, it is important to then research available treatment and support options. Learning more about the differences between and among support groups, outpatient therapy, detox, intensive outpatient (IOP), residential treatment, et cetera; one may be better equipped to help with the initials stages of setting up treatment. It helps further to begin calling or emailing various providers and agencies to ask questions. If your loved one is willing to engage in treatment and allows your participation, you may help even further by setting up the initial appointment, providing transportation, or even sitting in on sessions.

If you are struggling with an addiction, this is a good time to seek treatment as well. Standing in solidarity by quitting with your loved one is one of the strongest ways of showing support. Doing this shows that you are serious and committed toward both of you living healthier lives. If you are not struggling with addiction but another particular issue or condition that has gone untreated, the same applies. There is power in numbers. When one of you struggles, the other may hold the other accountable. Therapy will be there when you both struggle. It is a well-rounded approach.

Help For Reducing Drinking, Drying Out, And Staying Sober

Want to drink less? – Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz.


Want a place to dry out and get help? – Call: (855) 236-2993. Free & Confidential

Get help breaking your addiction at a comfortable living facility. Treatment for alcohol, opioid, and heroin addiction. Rehab is often covered by insurance. To find out your insurance benefits call: (855) 236-2993.


Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Rehab.com and Sunnyside..

How to Talk About Addiction With a Loved One

Speaking to a loved one about their addiction can be intimidating to say the least. Depending on the person, severity of the addiction, your relationship, and other factors; it may be one of the most difficult conversations you will ever have. Hoping for the best while anticipating the worst may help better prepare you for the emotional roller coaster; however, along each step of the way it is important to remain hopeful.

Remember that people tend to become defensive when confronted. This is typical human behavior. Add on top of that a relentless addiction that will stop at nothing to maintain hold of your loved one. Denial of the problem is likely in many cases. Whether in active denial or not, resistance is also likely. Know that this is part of the process. Giving in here is like giving up before the work has even started. Although there is never a guarantee as to how the conversation will go, there are recommended dos and don’ts to maximize success.

Here are some helpful dos and don’ts for talking about addiction to a loved one:

Do:

  • Have compassion
  • Expect difficulties
  • Recognize your partner’s good qualities
  • Remaining calm when speaking to your loved one about their addiction and its consequences
  • Let your loved one know that you are seeking help for your own sake because of the way the addiction has impacted you (and possibly other loved ones)
  • Set healthy boundaries2,3
  • Remain hopeful, even when it seems that hope is lost

Don’t:

  • Shame or criticize
  • Expect immediate change
  • Enable your loved one
  • Preach, lecture, or allow yourself to lose control of your anger
  • Exclude your loved one from family life and activities
  • Bail out your loved one
  • Cover up or deny the existence of the problem to yourself, the family, or others2,3

If any mistakes are made here, try not to become frustrated. You are not a professional, and it is expected that this will be difficult. Apologize, take corrective action, and continue moving forward. The same will be expected of your loved one during recovery whenever a relapse occurs.

What If My Loved One Doesn’t Want My Help With an Addiction?

Addiction is a highly complicated condition. Resistance to accept help is likely, especially at first. A person with addiction is likely to come up with numerous reasons as to why they do not need help or want help but not at this time. If you really want to help your loved one, then you will need to roll with the punches. Anticipate things to get worse before they get better. This is normal given the situation.

Protecting yourself is an important part of this process. First, remember that the situation is not about you. Even if your loved one blames you for everything, it is not about you. Try not to personalize it. From there it is important to come to terms with the situation. Acknowledge it for what it is and realize that you cannot force anyone to change. Any boundaries set during the initial discussion must be upheld. This is the only way you will be taken seriously. But focus on you and assisting other loved ones under your care.

Common strategies recommended for dealing with a loved one who doesn’t want your help are as follows:

  • Offer your ongoing support
  • Explore whether your loved one is willing to accept the support of someone else
  • Avoid guilt-tripping or shaming
  • Maintain healthy boundaries
  • Follow through with consequences when boundaries are broken
  • Do not enable the addiction
  • Do not enable any other self-destructive behaviors or those that may be harmful to others
  • Do not blame yourself
  • Accept that your loved one’s addiction is outside your control
  • Engage in self-care4,5
  • Work on your own issues with alcohol, drugs, or other problematic behaviors
  • Speak with other trusted loved ones and/or a professional
  • Attend support groups such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon

Following these recommendations will not guarantee any change in your loved one but will ultimately help you come to terms and move forward with a healthier life.

What Should I Do in an Emergency or Crisis?

In the event of an emergency or crisis you should always call 9-1-1 immediately. Every passing moment may mean the difference between life, death, or other serious consequences. This should be done regardless of whether your loved one agrees. If things work out, then there will be time to work through that later. The most important thing here is that everyone comes out of it alive.

There are other preparatory considerations to help in the event of an emergency or crisis. For example, if your loved one has an addiction to opioids, having naloxone on hand may help reverse overdose. If your loved one has any other serious illness that requires medication (e.g., pills, an injection), it should be readily available. This is helpful along with keeping the phone numbers of important contacts. Learning and becoming certified in CPR is also helpful.

Make Sure You’re Caring for Yourself, Too

Taking care of yourself during this time is so important that it has its own section in this article. For some this may be difficult. It may feel selfish to focus on yourself during this time, but your health is important first and foremost. You deserve happiness and health just like anyone else. The key to getting to this point, though, is not blaming yourself and accepting the situation for what it is. Again, you cannot make anyone else change.

Another take on self-care is that when you are in a healthy state you are better able to support others, including your loved one struggling with addiction. Remember that you cannot possibly give more to others than you have to give. If you are running at 20% capacity, you cannot possibly help as you likely intend. When we feel unhealthy, we become more easily frustrated, pessimistic, and exhausted.

Self-care for each person looks different, but the intentions are the same. Such activities should be healthy and enjoyable.

Common strategies for self-care include:

  • Talking with a therapist
  • Attending a support group
  • Volunteering or partaking in advocacy work
  • Speaking openly with loved ones about your experience and emotions
  • Listening to music, reading a book, or watching TV
  • Learning something new
  • Spending time with friends and other loved ones
  • Partaking in a hobby whether new or one from the past
  • Engaging in physical exercise
  • Eating healthy and trying new foods
  • Getting a healthy amount of sleep
  • Cooking, doing lawn work, or other household activities
  • Traveling or attending events
  • Pampering yourself at the spa or salon

What you do is up to you but do take this time for yourself. Even if your time is limited, a little something each day can go a long way.

Additional Resources

Education is just the first step on our path to improved mental health and emotional wellness. To help our readers take the next step in their journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy may be compensated for marketing by the companies mentioned below.

Drinking Moderation

Sunnyside – Want to drink less? Sunnyside helps you ease into mindful drinking at your own pace. Think lifestyle change, not a fad diet. Develop new daily routines, so you maintain your new habits for life. Take a 3 Minute Quiz.

Find A Rehab Center (Free & Confidential) – Call (855) 236-2993

Get help breaking your addiction at a comfortable living facility. Treatment for alcohol, opioid, heroin, and behavioral addictions including eating disorders. Most rehab centers work with multiple insurers. To find out your benefits call: (855) 236-2993

Opioid Use Treatment

Bicycle Health – Offers medication-assisted treatment with Suboxone to help patients stop their opioid use. No office visits required. 95% of patients report no withdrawal symptoms at 7 days. See the doctor online. Most insurance is accepted. Visit Bicycle Health

Talk Therapy

Online-Therapy – Online-Therapy.com provides a weekly live video session, unlimited text messaging, and self-guided activities like journaling. Starting at $64 per week, this is one of the most affordable options for CBT therapy. Try Online-Therapy

Choosing Therapy partners with leading mental health companies and is compensated for marketing by Rehab.com, Sunnyside, Online-Therapy, and Bicycle Health.

For Further Reading

The following are helpful resources for anyone dealing with a loved one who has an addiction:

  • Al-Anon
  • Nar-Anon
  • 14 Best Books About Addiction
  • SMART Recovery

How to Get Help for a Loved One or Friend With an Addiction Infographics

How to Get Help for a Loved One or Friend With an Addiction Acting and Seeking Help for a Loved One or Friend With an Addiction Common Warning Signs of an Addiction

Thoughts to Consider When Helping Someone Struggling with Addiction Preparing Resources and Support for Addiction Recovery Do's and Don'ts When Talking About Addiction

What to Do if Your Loved One Refuses Help Responding to an Emergency or Crisis Taking Care of Yourself, Too

5 sources

Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.

  • Ackerman, K. (2020). Loving an addict or alcoholic: How to help them and yourself. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/alcoholism-treatment/loving-an-addict

  • 7 Summit Pathways. (2020). How to help someone dealing with addiction. Retrieved from: https://7summitpathways.com/blog/help-someone-with-addiction/

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2020). Gambling disorder. Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/gambling-disorder/what-is-gambling-disorder

  • Parisi, T. (2020). 10 steps to take if an addict or alcoholic refuses treatment. Retrieved from https://www.rehabspot.com/family/steps-addict-alcoholic-refuses-treatment/

  • American Addiction Centers. (2020). How to help an addict who doesn’t want help. Retrieved from https://americanaddictioncenters.org/rehab-guide/how-to-help-an-addict-who-doesnt-want-help

Recent Articles

Suboxone Treatment_ Uses_ Side Effects_ _ Costs
Suboxone: Uses, Side Effects, and Costs
Suboxone products are medications that treat opioid use disorder. These medications are highly effective in helping people move through...
';
How to Calm Anxiety
How to Calm Anxiety: 31 Tips From Therapists
The effort to calm your anxiety can take many forms, but it often involves learning ways to relax your...
';
Methadone: Treatment, Side Effects, & Risks
Methadone: Treatment, Side Effects, & Risks
Methadone is a medication frequently used in the treatment of opioid use disorders. As a part of medication-assisted treatment...
';
13 Tips for Overcoming Procrastination
23 Tips for Overcoming Procrastination
Procrastination involves knowing that it is a bad idea to put something off but doing it anyway. People who...
';
How to Talk About Money With Your Partner_ X Tips From a Therapist
How to Talk About Money With Your Partner: 10 Tips From a Therapist
Learning how to talk about finances with your partner is a critical aspect of protecting your relationship. It’s important...
';
Alcohol Withdrawal
Alcohol Withdrawal: Symptoms, Timeline, & Prevention
Alcohol withdrawal is a condition one experiences when coming down from the effects of alcohol. It is a naturally...
';
Headshot of Matt Glowiak, PhD, LCPC
Written by:

Matt Glowiak

PhD, LCPC
Headshot of Meera Patel, DO
Reviewed by:

Meera Patel

DO
  • How Will I Know When to Help a Loved One with an Addiction?When to Help
  • What Can I Do to Help a Loved One With an Addiction?What to Do
  • What Emotional Support Can I Offer?Emotional Support
  • What Practical Support Can I Offer?Practical Support
  • How to Talk About Addiction With a Loved OneTalk About It
  • What If My Loved One Doesn’t Want My Help With an Addiction?Don't Want Help
  • What Should I Do in an Emergency or Crisis?Emergency
  • Make Sure You’re Caring for Yourself, TooSelf-Care
  • Additional ResourcesResources
  • How to Get Help for a Loved One or Friend With an Addiction InfographicsInfographics
If you are in need of immediate medical help:
Medical
Emergency
911
Suicide Hotline
800-273-8255
See more Crisis Hotlines
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Write for Us
  • Careers
  • Editorial Policy
  • Advertising Policy
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • No Surprises Act
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
988
Click For More Crisis Hotlines
For immediate help call:
Medical Emergency:
911
Suicide Hotline:
811
See more Crisis Hotlines
here
logo
This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information:
verify here.
This website is certified by Health On the Net Foundation. Click to verify.
Choosing Therapy Logo
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. However, you may visit Cookie Settings to provide controlled consent. Cookie settings ACCEPT
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

We use cookies to facilitate website functionality. Also, we use third-party cookies to track your website behavior and target advertising. These cookies are stored in your browser only with your consent, and you have the choice of opting out.
Necessary
Always Enabled

Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.

Non Necessary

Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.

Save & Accept