Recognizing warning signs
Changes in sleep, mood, friend groups, school performance, or self-care can be signals worth a compassionate check-in.
RECOVERY & RESILIENCE · FOR PARENTS & CAREGIVERS
You are their steady person.
Compassionate, person-first guidance for the parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, and chosen family loving someone through prevention, recovery, and everything in between.
Starting difficult conversations
Lead with love and curiosity. Ask open questions. Skip ultimatums. Follow up more than once.
Supporting recovery
Recovery is not always linear. Celebrate progress, plan for setbacks, and protect your own well-being too.
Finding help
Our Care Connections™ navigators walk with families to find culturally aligned behavioral health support.
Family resources
Peer groups, family therapy, and community support for the people who love someone in recovery.
Community trainings
First 5 Minutes™, Mental Health 101, and Youth Emotional First Aid™. Free or sliding-scale for community groups.
First 5 Minutes™
Learn to recognize an overdose, respond confidently, and stay present until responders arrive.
FINDING HELP · FAMILY LINES
Free family support, one call away.
Al-Anon Family Groups
Call 1-888-425-2666 or visit al-anon.org. Free peer support for families and friends affected by someone else's drinking.
Call 1-888-425-2666Partnership to End Addiction
Call 1-855-378-4373 or visit drugfree.org. Free, personalized helpline support for parents and caregivers navigating a loved one's substance use.
Call 1-855-378-4373FAQ
Questions caregivers are asking
How do I bring this up without pushing my loved one away?
Choose a calm moment. Speak from care, not fear. Use I-statements: I've noticed, I'm worried, I love you. Ask what would help. Be ready to listen more than talk.
What if they aren't ready for treatment?
Ambivalence is normal. Stay connected. Keep the door open. Small steps like a screening, a peer conversation, or a warm handoff to a navigator can build momentum over time.
How do I take care of myself while supporting them?
Your steadiness is part of their support system. Family peer groups, therapy of your own, rest, and boundaries are not luxuries. They are recovery tools for the whole household.
Is naloxone something I should have at home?
Many families choose to keep naloxone at home. It's safe, easy to use, and only works on opioid overdoses. Our First 5 Minutes™ training covers when and how to use it.