How to Help a Loved One with Substance Use Disorder

When someone you love is living with substance use disorder (SUD), it can feel like you are watching a person you know disappear behind an illness you did not choose and cannot control. If that is where you are right now, please know two things: you are not alone, and there are concrete, compassionate steps you can take. At Families United for Change, nearly everything we do grew out of one family’s experience walking this exact road here in Blair County.

Understand that substance use disorder is a disease

Addiction is a chronic, treatable medical condition — not a moral failing or a lack of willpower. Substances change the way the brain experiences reward, stress, and self-control, which is why “just stopping” is rarely as simple as it sounds from the outside. Leading with this understanding, rather than blame, changes how you show up for your loved one and lowers the shame that so often keeps people from asking for help.

Lead with compassion, not ultimatums

Fear can push families toward threats and ultimatums, but confrontation usually deepens the isolation that fuels substance use. Instead:

• Speak from love and concern using “I” statements (“I am scared for you,” rather than “You are ruining this family”).
• Choose calm moments, not moments of intoxication or crisis, for important conversations.
• Make it clear that your love is not conditional on their recovery timeline.

Compassion does not mean ignoring the problem — it means keeping the door open so that when your loved one is ready, they know where to turn.

Learn to recognize the signs

Knowing what to watch for helps you respond early. Warning signs can include withdrawal from family and activities, sudden money problems, changes in sleep or appetite, new secrecy, and physical signs like drowsiness or disorientation. Trust your instincts — families are often the first to sense that something is wrong.

Carry naloxone (NARCAN®) — it saves lives

Naloxone, commonly known by the brand name NARCAN®, is a safe medication that can reverse an opioid overdose in minutes. Having it on hand does not mean you expect the worst — it means you are prepared to keep your loved one alive long enough to reach recovery. Families United for Change distributes free NARCAN® throughout the Altoona area, including at the Greenbean Coffee house counter.

Set boundaries that protect everyone

Supporting someone is not the same as enabling the illness. Healthy boundaries — around money, living arrangements, and behavior in your home — protect your own wellbeing and can create the natural consequences that motivate change. Boundaries work best when they are clear, consistent, and paired with continued love.

Take care of yourself, too

You cannot pour from an empty cup. Family support groups such as Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and local grief and recovery circles give you a place to be honest, to rest, and to be reminded that your life matters too. Many families in our community find that connecting with others who understand is the single most sustaining thing they do.

You do not have to do this alone

Whether you need naloxone, a listening ear, or a next step toward treatment, help is available today — both statewide and right here in Altoona. Reach out to one of the resources above, and consider connecting with Families United for Change to walk this road alongside other families who understand.

Families United for Change is a nonprofit advocacy and awareness organization based in Altoona, Pennsylvania. This article is for education and support and is not medical advice. If you or someone you love is in crisis, please contact a medical professional or one of the helplines above.