How to Help Someone with Substance Use

If someone you know may be struggling with a substance use disorder, here are some tips for how to start a conversation and encourage them to get help.

Do these things to help someone with substance use disorder

• Approach them with love and compassion.
• Tell them you care about them.
• Let them know that treatment is effective.
• Educate yourself.
• Help them seek appropriate care, including medical treatment to ensure safe detoxification from the substance they are using.
• Help them find professionals with specific experience and expertise in helping people with substance use disorders.
• Show support by listening and treating them with dignity and respect, even if you don’t agree with their behaviors.
• Seek therapy and healing for yourself, too.

Don't do these things to help someone with substance use disorder

• Shame, embarrass, or stigmatize.
• Accuse them of having insufficient willpower.
• Expect immediate change.
• Demand that they quit suddenly or “cold turkey” as there can be dangerous side effects to stopping a drug too quickly.

Learn about treatment options

There are many different types of treatment plans and programs.

LEARN ABOUT TREATMENT OPTIONS

Break the stigma of mental health

Learn how you can help change perceptions of mental health and treatment.

LEARN MORE