During Treatment

1. Breathe

2. Prepare how you want to respond to tough phone calls and recognize ups and downs are often a part of the process, including supporting your loved one. Reinforce your loved one's decision to seek help.

How You Can Help (justfive.org)

Supporting a loved one dealing with mental and/or substance use disorders - Conversation Guide (SAMHSA.org)

Supporting Your Loved One - PDF

3. Communicate questions that you have regarding treatment process and next steps with counselor. Encourage your loved one to include you in the treatment process by opening a release of information.

4. Recognizing that there will be ongoing recommendations and steps following treatment, familiarize yourself with recommendations and resources, i.e., what does insurance cover and not cover, what is feasible, alternatives if needed? (Talk with your insurance provider).

After Addiction Treatment | Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment (justfive.org)

Long-Term Recovery Support | Alcohol Treatment Navigator | NIAAA (nih.gov)

FAQs: Searching for Alcohol Treatment | Navigator | NIAAA (nih.gov)

5. During and post treatment, seek ongoing support for yourself and other family members. (Education family programs, therapist, support groups, etc)

Support for Families of Addicts | Family Program | Hazelden Betty Ford Helping Families Help

Consult your Employee Assistance Program and Health Insurance card

Take part in the Healthy Relationships Program with the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.

Family Resources - The Daily Pledge

Taking Care of Yourself | Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation

Twelve Step Alumni Meetings - Hazelden Betty Ford Chapter Meetings

Family Services Orientation: Your first step in family support

This two-hour virtual orientation provides your family with helpful information and supportive resources—regardless of whether your loved one is in active addiction, seeking treatment, involved in some level of drug or alcohol counseling, or in recovery. Orientation incorporates insights on the effects of addiction and mental health issues on families, peer discussion and support, identification of healthy coping skills, Q&A time with family counselors, and an overview of services available to families. Register Now

Available in Español. Also available for Native Americans.

Helpful Websites

The Invitation to Change: A Short Guide

Substance Use Disorders

Understanding the science behind substance use disorders and the recovery process, with a brief overview of co-occurring disorders.

Virtual Healthy Relationships Workshops

Delivered in four, 90-minute sessions, this skill-building workshop helps family members learn how to set healthy boundaries, communicate effectively with one another, clarify roles and effectively support their loved one in recovery. We offer two different workshops. Register Now