How to Support Someone with a Substance Use Disorder
If a friend or family member's work, health, or relationships are suffering due to substance use, it's important to know how you can support them in a way that increases their chances of seeking treatment and achieving long-term recovery. Once they recognize the issue and choose recovery, you can become an ally in their journey.
What is stigma?
Stigma is a set of negative and often unfair beliefs that a society or group of people have about something. "Stigma" may also be referred to as "judgement." In the context of substance use disorder, stigma refers to the disapproval, prejudice, and discrimination directed towards individuals who use drugs or alcohol, or who have been diagnosed with a substance use disorder.
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Source: NIDA
Resources
If you notice a friend or family member struggling with recovery, review the resources listed at the link below to see what kind of help may be available to them.
Working to Reduce Stigma
Many individuals dealing with substance use disorder experience shame due to the stigma around mental health and addiction. Stigma refers to negative beliefs that label substance use disorder as a moral failure or lack of willpower. This stigma exists in the public, in health care, and within those suffering. It harms individuals' well-being and reduces access to quality care.
Stigma appears in three forms:
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Public: discrimination from others
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Systemic: reduced access to resources
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Self: internalized shame
Breaking the stigma:
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Talk openly about mental health
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Educate yourself and others
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Be considerate of the words you use
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Show compassion
Sources: NAMI, Tennessee State Government, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Avoid these words and phrases:
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Addict, user, junkie
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Alcoholic, drunk
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Clean, dirty
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Low-functioning
Providing Support
Remember, when your friend or loved one decides to recover or undergo treatment, they'll need support during this tough transition.
Ways to Help
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Offer to attend a 12-step meeting or medical visit with them.
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Listen when they need to talk.
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Help find new activities that don’t involve substances.
Other Ways to Support
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Understand triggers
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Be patient
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Ask questions
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Respect their privacy
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Keep things normal with past shared activities
Finding Peer Support
Peer support groups offer a support network consisting of individuals who have also dealt with substance use, and connect you with others on the same path, encouraging your efforts towards recovery.