Healthy+5Winterspring2024spreadsfinal - Flipbook - Page 22
Loving someone with a substance use disorder (continued)
to do and provide, and learning to love them from
a distance.”
Foster adds that very often the first response to new
boundaries is anger. Which, he says, is a reasonable
response to having the support system they’ve relied on
no longer in place. “It’s not uncommon to see someone go
deeper into their abuse when first faced with a change of
this nature. But, as with all parts of recovery, it’s up to them
to figure out what’s next for them.”
He concludes, “As long as a loved one feels they’ve done
their best and given all they reasonably can, they should
feel comfortable in their decision to set boundaries.” ■
Support for families and loved ones
The following resources offer a range of services including
one-on-one counseling, family counseling, and online and
in-person support groups.
VERMONT
United Counseling Services
ucsvt.org
SaVida Health
Savidahealth.com
Sunrise Family Resources
sunrisepcc.com
The Turning Point
Tpcbennington.org
MASSACHUSETTS
The Brien Center
briencenter.org
NEW YORK
Rensselaer County Mental Health All Recovery Meeting
518-925-8067
Starting the conversation
Supporting a loved one with a substance
use disorder
When a family member is struggling with a substance
use disorder, your support can be key to getting them
the treatment they need. Starting the conversation is
the first step to getting help.
How You Can Help
1. Identify an appropriate time or place. Consider
a private setting with limited distractions, such as at
home or on a walk.
2. Express concerns and be direct. Ask how they are
feeling and describe the reasons for your concern.
3. Acknowledge their feelings and listen. Listen
openly, actively, and without judgement.
4. Offer to help. Provide reassurance that mental and/
or substance use disorders are treatable. Help them
locate and connect to treatment services.
5. Be patient. Recognize that helping your loved one
doesn’t happen overnight. Continue reaching out with
offers to listen and help.
What to Say
NATIONWIDE
“I’ve been worried about you. Can we talk? If not, who
are you comfortable talking to?”
Al-Anon
al-anon.org
“I see you’re going through something. How can I best
support you?”
Nar-Anon
nar-anon.org
“I care about you and am here to listen. Do you want
to talk about what’s been going on?”
Parents of Addicted Loved Ones
palgroup.org
Families Anonymous
familiesanonymous.org
SMART Recovery Family & Friends
smartrecovery.org/family/
20 | HEALTHY+ | WINTER–SPRING 2024
“I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately.
How can I help?”
For more resources, visit SAMHSA.gov/families. If
you or someone you know needs help, call
1-800-662-HELP (4357) for free and confidential
information and treatment referral.