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Help for a Loved One With Substance Use
Loving someone who is struggling with alcohol or other substance use can be confusing and painful. You cannot make every decision for them, but you can get support, learn safer ways to respond, and understand what options are available.
Need help right now?
- If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
- If someone may be overdosing, call 911 and give naloxone if available.
- For mental health or substance use crisis support, call or text 988.
- For Hope Council support during business hours, call 262-658-8166.
At A Glance
You can call too
You can contact Hope Council even if your loved one will not.
Calm helps
A calm conversation is usually more useful than shame, blame, or threats.
Boundaries can be compassionate
Boundaries can protect safety and wellbeing without giving up on someone.
Overdose preparation matters
If overdose risk is present, learn the signs and keep naloxone available.
What Are You Worried About?
I think they may overdose
Start with Signs of Opioid Overdose and How to Use Naloxone.
They do not want help
Start with How to Help Someone Who Does Not Want Help.
I need support for myself
Start with Supporting a Loved One and Loved Ones Group.
I want to understand treatment options
Start with Recovery Options and Treatment Providers.
I am worried about my teen
Start with Youth and Teens.
I am not sure what is happening
Start with Talk to Hope Council.
How To Start A Conversation
Pick the moment
Choose a calm time, avoid immediate crisis when possible, and talk when they are not intoxicated.
Use observations
Name specific concerns, ask open-ended questions, listen before offering solutions, and offer one possible next step.
Try saying this
"I love you, and I am worried." "I am not here to shame you." "Would you be willing to talk with someone one time?"
Support, Boundaries, Safety, And Hope Council
What support can look like
Loved Ones Group, family counseling or support groups, treatment provider information, assessment and referral, and overdose prevention supplies.
Boundaries without abandonment
Boundaries describe what you can and cannot participate in. Keep them clear, realistic, safety-focused, and paired with available support.
If they do not want help
Stay connected when safe, keep conversations calm and brief, reduce immediate risks where possible, and get support for yourself.
If overdose or crisis risk is present
Call 911 for overdose or immediate danger, give naloxone if available, and call or text 988 for mental health or substance use crisis support.
FAQ Preview
Can I call Hope Council for someone else?
This answer will say yes and explain support for family members, partners, friends, and caregivers.
What if my loved one refuses treatment?
This answer will focus on safety, boundaries, small next steps, and support for the person trying to help.
Should I carry naloxone for a loved one?
This answer will connect to overdose signs, naloxone basics, and local supply pathways.
Accuracy & Review
This area will cite SAMHSA helping-someone resources, Wisconsin DHS 988, CDC overdose response and stigma reduction, Hope Council Loved Ones Group and will include staff and source review before launch.
The final site will show a current review date before launch.