Helping someone who is experiencing SUD can feel overwhelming, especially for family members, friends, and community leaders who want to help but do not always know where to start. Planning can make a significant difference.

What you can do:

Lead with compassion, not judgment. SUD is a chronic health condition, not a moral failure. Listening without blame builds trust and opens the door to support. Learn more about support and recovery: https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery

Learn the warning signs. Changes in behavior, withdrawal from loved ones, missed responsibilities, or health changes may signal the need for help. Overdose prevention information: https://www.cdc.gov/overdose/prevention

Encourage professional support. Treatment may include medication-assisted treatment, counseling, peer recovery coaching, or a combination of services. Find treatment options: https://findtreatment.gov and https://familycenterhelps.org/addiction-recovery-support/ 

Have naloxone available. Naloxone saves lives and should be accessible in homes, workplaces, schools, and community spaces. Free Narcan is available from self-serve vending machines at the Grosse Pointe City and Harper Woods Police Departments and at CNS Healthcare 20303 Kelly Rd, Detroit, MI. Michigan naloxone resources: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/overdose-prevention

Understand relapse is part of recovery. Recovery is not always linear. Continued encouragement and connection to care are critical. Recovery supports: https://www.samhsa.gov/recovery