How to Help a Loved One with Addiction

Friends & Family Resources

Make

a referral

If your loved one is ready to make a change in their lives, make a referral to let us know.

A Workit care navigator will follow up by reaching out directly to your loved one with the contact information you provide.

Learn

about addiction

Workit Health has created a guide to addiction and treatment for the loved ones of those struggling with substance use disorder.

It’s normal to have questions and fears, but you’re not alone in this. We have answers!

Understanding addiction

It can be baffling to watch a loved one struggle with substance use. “Why don’t they just stop?” you ask. But for people with substance use disorder, it’s not that easy.

Addiction is a chronic disease characterized by the following features:

Compulsive substance use that is difficult to control despite harmful consequences
Changes within a person’s brain, overriding their self-control, judgment, decision-making, and ability to resist urges to drink or use drugs
Growing tolerance for the substance, meaning someone may have to take more than they previously did to achieve the same effect
Progressive—it will get worse if left untreated
High incidence of relapse (returning to use) after quitting

Substance use disorder can be frightening, but it is a treatable condition. It is a myth that someone needs to reach rock bottom to obtain help; they can get help at any time they are ready for it.

Support options for friends and families

There are a range of support groups for family, friends, and partners of loved ones struggling with addiction. You are not alone.

ALANON →
is a 12-step-based support group for anyone impacted by addiction.

SMART Friends & Family →
is an alternative to 12-step programs that provides effective and easy-to-learn tools to help you and your family.

Learn to Cope →
is a peer support network for friends and family members of those with substance use disorders.

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones →
is a Christian organization that provides education and support to parents.

Adult Children of Alcoholics →
is a 12-step group for the adult children of those struggling with addiction.

Want Workit to reach out to your loved one?

Real people,
real results

I received the kindest and most understanding care with WorkIt. I’m happy to report that WorkIt never gave up on me and I now have two years drug free! The app is great: works well and you can access anything in the program.

Workit Member

Incredible support. I can honestly say this changed my entire life. I had tried talking to several therapists, psychiatrists, you name it. Workit actually works and the doctors and counselors really make you feel heard and supported.

Workit Member

Workit is AMAZING. I have been in the program for a couple of years successfully where I have failed in prior rehab attempts. It's very easy if time is an issue for you like myself. You get great coaches and I just adore my doctor. c

Workit Member

Workit is the best thing that has happened to me in years! The people who they have working there are great! They make you comfortable. They are there to really help you and not judge you for your problem.

Workit Member

So far this has been a great experience. I love the courses, and Melanie was the first person I met with and she was truly amazing, sweet and understood me. I felt very comfortable talking to her and that's really not normal for me.

Workit Member

This is a great program for me! I have tried so many other ways to conquer my 10 year opioid dependence, and all the hassle that comes with it, to no avail! I feel great on this med plus the team of coaches, doctors and admins are here for me when I need them.

Workit Member