40%
of our calls come from family members
Every Day
we help families figure out their next step
Free Consultation
with one of our skilled medical providers
You’re not alone. Parents, spouses, siblings, and friends call us every day, asking the same question:
“How do I help someone who doesn’t want help?”
There’s no easy answer. But there are things that work and things that don’t. We can help you figure out which is which.
You don't need to catch them using to know something is wrong. Trust what you're seeing.
Behavioral Changes | Physical Signs |
|---|---|
 Unexplained money problemsMissing cash, selling things, borrowing constantly | Nodding off unexpectedlyDrowsy mid-day, falling asleep mid-sentence — common with opioids |
Social withdrawalAvoiding family, making excuses, pulling back socially | Unusually small or large pupilsPinpoint (opioids) or dilated (stimulants) |
Lack of responsibilityMissing work, unpaid bills, broken promises | Frequently sickFlu-like symptoms, sweating, anxiety — these are signs of withdrawal |
Constant lyingStories that don’t add up; gets defensive when asked | Track marks or burnsLong sleeves in summer, marks on arms or hands |
About FentanylYou've probably already tried. Maybe it didn't go well. Here's what tends to work better.
Pick a calm moment
Not when you're angry. Find a quiet time when you're both clear-headed and can have a real conversation.
Lead with concern, not accusations
"I'm worried about you" works better than "You have a problem."
Be specific about what you've noticed
"You've missed three family dinners" is harder to deny than "You're never around."
Listen more than you talk
They may open up if they don't feel attacked. Let them speak.
Have options ready
"I found a place that can help. Can I show you?" is better than "You need to get help."
Ultimatums you won't keep
"If you don't stop, I'm leaving" only works if you mean it. Empty threats make things worse.
Shame and guilt
"Look what you're doing to this family" adds to shame they already feel. People don't quit using drugs because they feel worse about themselves.
Comparing them to others
"Your brother never did this" or "Why can't you be normal?" doesn't motivate anyone.
Trying to control everything
You can't lock them in a room. You can't follow them everywhere. Recovery has to be their choice.
Expecting one conversation to fix it
This is a process. You might have this conversation five or ten times before anything changes. Don't give up after one try.
We talk to families every day. Call to talk through your situation.
There's a common belief that families need to "stop enabling" by withdrawing support. Here's the truth: what others might call "enabling" is often necessary support. Your loved one needs your support regardless of where they are in their journey. The question isn't whether to support them, it's how to do it without losing yourself in the process.
What looks like "enabling" to others is often exactly what they need
This is about YOUR limits, not about doing support "wrong"
When You've Reached Your Limit, We're Here
You can’t push someone into recovery, but that doesn’t mean you’re powerless.
We talk to families every day. We can help you explore options and educate you about what's available. Understanding your options is key.
Let them know help is available when they're ready. Plant the seed. Many people come back months later.
Set boundaries. Take care of your own health. You can't help them if you're falling apart.
A note about "rock bottom": You may have heard they need to hit rock bottom before they'll change. That's not always true. For some people, rock bottom is death. Don't wait. Keep trying. Keep the conversation going. Many people accept help before they lose everything.
Even if they're unsure what to do next. We can help you figure out next steps.
Feel better today - no rushed staff, long lines, or arbitrary rules.
Chicago Methadone Clinic
Stop opioid withdrawals and cravings, whether for detox or long-term maintenance.
Chicago Suboxone Clinic
Naltrexone is non-addictive and proven to stop alcohol cravings.
Chicago Naltrexone Clinic
Get intensive therapy as part of your rehab journey while living at home.
Chicago IOP Program
Flexible scheduling that fits your life. Weekly appointments, medication management, and therapy without disrupting work or family.
Chicago Outpatient Rehab
Connect with a counselor who specializes in addiction treatment and truly understands your journey.
Chicago Opioid Treatment
Engage in open, meaningful conversations with your loved ones to address challenges in a safe setting.
Chicago Family Support
Treated like a person, not a number
89% success rate (2x industry average)
Same-day access to medication
No judgment if they slip up
*Based on internal data as of November 2024. Individual results may vary.
So you can explain it to them and ease their fears about what to expect.
What Happens Call to schedule. You can do this for them. Same-day often available.
We'll verify insurance. We can do this with you, not just them.
They meet with a medical provider who specializes in addiction.
They can start medication the same day if appropriate.
They go home. Come back for follow-ups.
What to Tell Them "It's about 3 hours for the first visit"
"You can feel better the same day"
"They can start treatment regardless of whether they're currently using"
"No one is going to lecture you"
"I can come with you if you want"
Loving someone with an addiction is exhausting. You're allowed to take care of yourself too. In fact, you have to.
Boundaries protect your wellbeing and model healthy behavior.
Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, or a counselor who understands addiction can help.
You can't control it. And you can't cure it alone.
Support groups for families of people struggling with drug addiction. Free meetings nationwide.
nar-anon.orgFree, confidential, 24/7 treatment referral and information service.
1-800-662-4357Call Symetria anytime. We can talk through your situation even if your loved one isn't ready yet.
866-287-5921
Most insurance covers drug addiction treatment. We can check coverage before they come in.
Note: We accept commercial insurance and Medicare at all locations. Coverage varies by plan. Self-pay is also available.
Denial is part of addiction. Don't argue about whether it's "a problem." Instead, focus on specific things you've noticed: missed work, money issues, health changes. It's harder to deny specifics than labels.
Only if you're prepared to follow through. An ultimatum you don't keep makes future boundaries harder to enforce. If you say "get help or move out," you have to mean it.
Yes. 40% of our calls come from family members. We can talk through your situation, explain treatment options, and help you figure out your next step. Even if they're unsure what to do next.
Motivation helps, but it's not required. Many people start treatment because of pressure from family, work, or legal issues. They weren't ready when they started. Motivation often comes after they start feeling better.
Returning to use is common and doesn't mean treatment failed. It often takes multiple attempts. What matters is trying again. Different approaches work for different people. We can try a different medication, more therapy, or adjust the intensity.
If they want you there, yes. Many people bring a family member to their first visit for support. We also offer family therapy as part of treatment to help provide support and education throughout treatment.
Only if they sign a release allowing us to share information with you. Treatment is confidential by law. We encourage family involvement, but the patient decides what to share.
Call 911 immediately. If you have Narcan (naloxone), use it. Many pharmacies sell it without a prescription. If your loved one is using opioids or any street drug, having Narcan nearby could save their life.
