Expert Resources for Supporting Loved Ones with Addiction

Discover expert insights and practical guidance from clinicians, researchers, and specialists to help parents, families and professionals support loved ones and community members with substance use disorder and addiction.

While as a parent we cannot fix things for our child, we can help them change. Using research-based approaches can help the change happen sooner.
It's understandable you might worry about telling your child about your own past alcohol or drug use. Here are a few points to consider.
Unethical addiction treatment is unfortunately abundant. Learn to discern quality, clinical treatment from providers without your child's best interest at heart.
Addiction is particularly stressful for parents. Emotions can feel overwhelming, so take time to help yourself feel better first.
When a child struggles with addiction, you may find yourself in some difficult situations. Sometimes, it may be appropriate to call your local police.
This guide shows state policymakers how to implement a public health approach to end the opioid epidemic.
One of the reasons that opioids like Vicodin are so addictive are the painful withdrawal symptoms that come from stopping use. Here's what's going on.
It is important not to stay isolated. The more you can connect with people who understand, the more help you will be to your struggling child.
There are many paths to recovery from addiction to heroin or painkillers, including taking medicine like Suboxone.
Many teens suffer from depression, anxiety or other mental illness. Unfortunately, this puts them more at risk for developing a drug problem and co-occurring disorders.
The intent of HIPPA is to protect a patient’s privacy. Sometimes, it is possible to give information to a service provider even if they cannot reciprocate.
Many parents ask why their kid can't just stop. But as more studies are confirming, drugs are actually creating changes in his or her brain. Learn why.
Is your child is coming home from residential treatment for a drug or alcohol addiction? It’s a good idea to create a recovery plan together. Here's how.
You should encourage your loved one to seek treatment for their drug use. But there are things to do to help prevent an overdose in the meantime.
Parents want what's best for their kids. But under pressure, many of us get a little too involved and "overparent," sending the wrong message to our teens.
Abusing prescription stimulants, or "study drugs," actually does not improve teens' GPA, can be very harmful to their health, and doesn't teach grit or resilience.
If you have been affected by a child's substance use and you'd like to share your advice and wisdom with other parents, consider parent coaching.
School stress can lead to teen drug use, but many parents with good intentions overlook the possibility. Learn the effects of stress and how to help your kid cope.
Opioids (prescription painkillers and heroin) pose a high risk of overdose, for both those in active use and in recovery.
Besides parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents, cousins and older can help influence young adults, too -- especially if they're struggling with drugs.
The opioid crisis has unfortunately caused unethical people to prey upon families' fears. Parents need to be aware of scams when searching for treatment for their child.
One way to treat opioid addiction is Naltrexone (Vivitrol), a type of medication-assisted treatment, an injection given by a medical provider once a month.
We can use words like "addict" that perpetuate the negative stigma around substance use. Or we can use words that are compassionate, supportive and respectful.
It can be difficult to persuade a loved one to consider treatment. Even when they are willing to consider it, it’s not uncommon for them to still feel unsure or say no. If your loved one expresses even a little willingness to start getting help — whether it’s attending a support group meeting, or getting a treatment consultation — it can be all the invitation you need to begin the conversation.