- Nov 3
- AddictionTreatment
Caring for Someone with a Substance Use Disorder: Providing Support During National Caregiver Month
November is National Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the countless individuals who provide care, support, and understanding to loved ones facing health challenges, including those living with a substance use disorder (SUD).
Caring for someone with an SUD can be challenging and often includes navigating uncertainty, managing your own feelings, and offering support while encouraging your loved one to seek help. Your role is invaluable, but it is important to care for yourself while caring for another. Below are some ways caregivers can provide support while maintaining their own well-being.
- Learn About Substance Use Disorders
Understanding what a loved one is going through helps you respond with empathy instead of frustration. SUD is a medical condition, not a moral failing or lack of willpower. Learning about the science of SUD can help you better recognize triggers, patterns, and treatment options.
- Practice Empathy while Avoiding Enabling
Supporting someone does not mean rescuing them from the consequences of their actions. Try to listen without judgment, set healthy boundaries, and avoid behaviors that may unintentionally enable continued substance use. Encourage accountability and celebrate small steps toward recovery, even if progress feels slow.
- Encourage Professional Help
Encourage your loved one to seek professional treatment, whether it’s through a residential, outpatient, or virtual outpatient program. If they’re hesitant, remind them that there are many levels of care to fit their specific schedule and needs.
- Take Care of Your Own Mental Health
Caring for someone struggling with addiction can take a toll, and the well-being of caregivers matters, too. No one can pour from an empty cup, so it’s essential that caregivers take care of themselves first. If feeling overwhelmed, therapy or counseling can help with managing stress during difficult times.
- Celebrate Hope and Progress
Every effort made toward recovery, whether it’s attending therapy, refraining from substances, or expressing willingness to seek help, is worth celebrating. Acknowledging progress builds motivation and reinforces the belief that recovery is possible.
Help is Available
If your loved one is struggling with substance use, call 877-505-HOPE.
