Family support

How to help a drug addict: What families need to know

Published November 5, 2025 · 8 min read · Updated April 2026

Reviewed for accuracy by licensed clinical professionals.

The desire to help is powerful but must be channeled effectively. Good intentions without good strategy often enable rather than help.

Evidence-based approach: CRAFT

Community Reinforcement and Family Training teaches specific techniques: reinforce sober behavior, allow natural consequences of use, identify windows of readiness, and have treatment arranged when they are willing. 65-75% success rate.

What to do right now

Educate yourself about their substance and addiction as a disease. Attend Nar-Anon for support. Remove your enabling behaviors one at a time. Express concern using specific observations, not labels. Research treatment options so you are ready when they are.

Safety considerations

If they use opioids, have naloxone (Narcan) accessible. Learn how to recognize overdose. If they inject, know the signs of infection requiring emergency care. If the situation involves violence or danger to children, prioritize safety above all else.

The hardest truth

You cannot recover for them. You can create conditions that make recovery more likely and continued use more consequential, but the decision to seek help must ultimately be theirs.

Authoritative sources

This article references guidelines from: NIDA · SAMHSA · CDC

Frequently asked questions

How do I get someone to go to rehab?

Use CRAFT techniques to motivate treatment-seeking. Have treatment options researched and ready. Express concern with specific observations. Avoid ultimatums you will not enforce.

Should I kick out a drug addict?

This is deeply personal. Allowing someone to live consequence-free in your home may enable use. But homelessness increases danger. Set conditions for continued housing.

What is enabling vs helping?

Helping supports recovery. Enabling removes consequences of use. Ask: does this action shield them from a consequence of their substance use?

Disclaimer: Informational only. Not medical advice. SAMHSA: 1-800-662-4357.