Tony and Pattie discuss how scary it was when their son’s substance use first started becoming a problem and the different approaches they took to find a treatment program for him. For those struggling with substance use, the decision to seek treatment can be filled with emotions – anxiety, fear, frustration, even uncertainty. For parents and family members, these emotional moments and conversations can be difficult to navigate, wondering what’s the best way to help a loved one.

“We didn’t know anybody who had gone through what we had gone through,” Pattie says. “Just trying to figure out what to do was really difficult…we were so terrified.”

Realizing that a loved one need’s help for their substance use or addiction can be overwhelming, and you are not alone if you have no idea where to begin. There is no one-size-fits-all answer so it can take a fair amount of research to figure out what type of help your child or family member needs, how to get it, and how to motivate them to agree to treatment.

“What I wish we had for anyone with substance use disorder is a community of care that surrounds you,” Pattie says. “If my kid has cancer, you work through your primary care provider, then you work with community clinics. There’s stuff there for you. When it’s substance use, it’s the wild, wild west.”

To find more resources on helping your child or family member find and engage in treatment, check out the links below.

PDF: Your child’s treatment roadmap – The road to recovery isn’t the same for everyone, so the Partnership created a map to help you find your way.
https://drugfree.org/wp-content/uploa...

WEB: Encouraging your child to get help – Chances are your loved one does want help getting better, so we put together some tips on what to listen for.
https://drugfree.org/article/suggesti...

WEB: What to look for when selecting a treatment program – We’ve got a list of questions to ask and even red flags to avoid when researching options for treatment.
https://drugfree.org/article/what-to-...

You can help us scale these valuable programs.

• DONATE: Support families directly by funding our critical products and services – the Partnership provides trusted and compassionate guidance free of charge.
https://drugfree.org/?form=FUNHCTRHDZC

Recovering Together, our YouTube series that tells stories of loved ones impacted by substance use disorder invites family and loved ones to shed light on how you can help someone on the road to recovery. These videos shine a light on love, empathy, and the power of connection.

For more information on recovery and parent support, visit https://drugfree.org/article/hope-res....

Listen to more stories:
   • Recovering Together  

About Partnership to End Addiction: Partnership to End Addiction is a national nonprofit providing personalized support and resources for families impacted by addiction. With decades of experience in direct services, communications and coalition-building, we mobilize families, policymakers, researchers, and health care professionals to more effectively address addiction systemically on a national scale.

For more information, visit drugfree.org.

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