Caring for someone who is struggling with addiction—alcohol, other drugs, or gambling—can be hard and stressful.
Taking care of yourself is the most important thing you can do. You can’t help anyone if you’re not in a good state of well-being yourself.
Change doesn’t happen all at once, but learning and reaching out for support is how healing can begin.
Remember, you can get help even if the person with the addiction isn’t ready.
Stay safe
Substance use or the stress of problem gambling can lead to violence or unsafe situations.
If you ever feel scared or in danger, make a plan to protect yourself—like leaving the situation, calling someone you trust, or contacting emergency services (911). Your safety comes first.
Make small changes
Making small changes in your own actions can help you see things differently. This gives you the strength to make other positive changes in your life.
Try journalling, exercising, eating healthy foods, being in nature, or doing creative hobbies. Make it a priority to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
If you’ve stopped spending time with friends, try reconnecting with them. Friends are important for your well-being.
Find someone to talk to
Sharing your story with someone you trust can reduce stress and help you feel less alone.
Change the pattern
Every relationship has patterns—ways of doing things and responding to each other that repeat. These patterns can help people feel connected, but sometimes they aren’t healthy.
But patterns can change. It often starts by focusing on your own needs and making small changes in how you respond.
When one person behaves differently, it can help shift the whole pattern.
Know your limits
It’s important to know your own limits. Ask yourself: “What am I OK with, and what am I not OK with?” And follow through.
- Be clear and specific: “If you come home after drinking alcohol, I will not argue with you—I will leave the room.”
- Focus on your own actions: “I will not lend you money for drugs or gambling.”
- Communicate calmly and specifically: “I feel unsafe when there is alcohol in the house, so I need to set this limit.”
Only you can decide what you’re willing to live with and what changes you’re ready to make.
Get information and support
You can get information from:
- handouts and brochures
- books about alcohol use and recovery
- videos and websites
- self-help groups like Al-Anon, Alateen, Adult Children of Alcoholics, and Co-Dependents Anonymous
Recovery is a process
If someone you know decides to get help, remember that change takes time.
Recovery is more than not using substances or gambling. It’s about feeling healthier, living with purpose and independence, belonging to a supportive community, and building on personal strengths. Everyone’s recovery looks different.
Recovery is a journey of growth and change. It’s normal for people to have setbacks along the way. They don’t mean they have failed. Each step is part of the process of building health, hope and a meaningful life.
