Yes, support groups exist for families of those with substance use disorders.[1][2] Al-Anon, Nar-Anon, and SMART Recovery Family & Friends provide spaces for you.[1][2][3] The best starting point depends on the support you seek.
See which options fit your situation by comparing counseling, peer meetings, and other resources. Each group has its own format and focus.[1][2][3] Look up current schedules and online choices on official meeting finders. You can seek help for yourself even if your loved one is not in treatment.
We share resource guides and a treatment directory. We do not provide treatment or claim medical review. Read our guide on helping a loved one with addiction for broader treatment options.
Getting Support When a Loved One Has Addiction
You deserve support when a loved one has a substance use issue. You do not have to wait for them to enter treatment before getting help. Groups and resources are made for family members, partners, friends, and caregivers.
These groups focus on your own wellbeing and the choices you make. They are not a way to control someone else's substance use. Joining one can help you manage stress, set boundaries, and meet people who understand your experience.
Look at How Peer Groups Differ
Peer support groups for family members of people with addiction aren't all the same. Each one has a different focus and style. You can try more than one to see which feels like a good fit. The table below looks at three popular choices.
| Group | Who it serves | Approach and meeting style | Where to find current official meeting information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Al-Anon | Families and friends of those with a drinking problem | Meetings focus on the 12 steps adapted from Alcoholics Anonymous, along with sharing personal experiences.[1] | Visit the Al-Anon website to learn more and find nearby meetings.[1] See our guide to Al-Anon for family members for more detail. |
| Nar-Anon | For relatives and friends of those with a drug addiction | Provides 12-step self-help groups.[2] | Search the "Find a Meeting" locator on the Nar-Anon site by city, state, ZIP code, or distance.[2] |
| SMART Recovery Family & Friends | For families and friends of anyone with addictive behaviors like drugs, alcohol, or gambling | Uses science-based tools and skills rather than a 12-step model. Meetings are structured around education and practice. | Check the SMART Recovery website to find online or local meetings.[4] |
Al-Anon is made for families impacted by another person's drinking.[1] Nar-Anon serves families affected by narcotics addiction.[2] SMART Recovery Family & Friends covers a wider range, including alcohol, drugs, and other addictive behaviors. No single option works best for everyone. How comfortable you feel with a group's beliefs, structure, and language matters just as much as the topic it addresses.
If you're unsure which group fits your situation, think about what kind of support you need most right now. Shared stories and spiritual principles bring comfort to some people. Practical skills you can use right away appeal to others. You do not have to make a permanent decision today. Go to one meeting for each group that interests you, then pick where to return.
Locate a Group and See If It Works for You
Locating a meeting is often easier than it seems. Begin with the group closest to your needs. Then visit its official website to find a local session. Al-Anon has an official search tool for its groups.[5] SMART Recovery allows you to search for online or in-person meetings.[4] Nar-Anon offers a “Find a Meeting” locator for families affected by drug addiction.[2]
- Pick the group that fits your situation. Al-Anon may be a natural first step if alcohol is the primary issue.[1] If drugs or other behaviors are present, Nar-Anon or SMART Recovery may be a better fit.[2]
- Use the official meeting finder. Use the organization’s official website rather than old listings. Input your location or select a format, such as online or in-person.
- Confirm the details. Review the time, newcomer policy, registration needs, and privacy rules. Phone the meeting host if you have any questions.
- If the meeting allows, you may just listen rather than speak.Attend once and decide. If the first group doesn’t feel right, trying another one is reasonable and common.
Understanding Group Rules and Privacy
Group norms vary, but sharing is almost always optional. You can attend and listen without speaking. Peer support groups are not clinical settings. Their conversations lack the legal confidentiality protections of therapy or medical care. For online meetings, check the platform’s privacy settings. Ask the host about recording policies and participant anonymity.
Meeting Fit Self-Check
This self-check is for information only and isn't a diagnosis. If you suspect an overdose or face immediate danger, call 911 now.
Counseling, Peer Meetings, and Other Support for Families
Support groups for families of people with substance use disorders are helpful, but other resources exist. Different services address different needs. Find out how to pick the right one for your situation. For more on how treatment centers involve relatives, read our guide to drug rehab with family therapy and what to ask.
- Peer meetings put you in touch with others facing similar struggles. These groups rely on shared experiences and mutual support.
- Individual counseling centers on your mental health, stress, and coping strategies. A therapist guides you in handling personal challenges.
- Family therapy brings family together to work on communication and relationships with a qualified clinician. Partners and relatives take part in behavioral couples and family counseling. This can play an important role in repairing and improving family relationships.[6] Training in communication skills is often part of these approaches.[6]
You can learn about addiction and treatment options through educational programs. Treatment-navigation services can help you get questions ready for doctors or clinics.
Learning to set limits is a separate skill from joining a support group. Read our guide on setting boundaries with a loved one with a substance use disorder if you find it hard to protect your well-being while helping a loved one.
Need help finding treatment or learning what is out there? Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357). This service gives free, confidential referrals and information about mental or substance use disorders. It is open 24 hours a day.[7]
Self-Care Is Not Self-Blame
Living with someone who has a substance use disorder can shake up your relationships and daily routines. You may feel worried, exhausted, or unsure of what to do next. This does not mean you caused the issue or need to fix it. Another person’s choices and recovery belong to them, not to you.
Your main task right now is looking after yourself. This is not about ignoring the situation. It is about getting enough rest, support, and stability so you can continue. You do not need to resolve everything at once. Even small steps help.
For more tips on caring for your own wellbeing while a loved one receives treatment, see our guide on caring for yourself during treatment.
Self-Care Actions
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Handling Conversations About Care Safely
Do not wait for a scheduled appointment or a peer meeting.If you think your loved one is overdosing or is in immediate danger, call 911 and follow the dispatcher’s directions.
It is difficult to talk about treatment, and you cannot force anyone into recovery. Studies suggest that Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) works better than confrontational interventions. This supportive method helps a person with an alcohol problem accept treatment.[6] CRAFT encourages positive changes instead of cornering the person.
- Pick a calm moment. Wait for a time when everyone is rested and sober. Describe specific things you see, such as “I noticed you missed work twice this week.” Avoid using labels.
- Listen and ask. Allow them to talk. Do not cut them off. Ask what kind of help they might be willing to try, even if it’s small.
- Look at options together. Suggest looking at treatment details together, without pressure to choose immediately. You can use resources like FindTreatment.gov, which helps people search for substance use and mental health treatment services across the United States.[8]
- Step back if they say no.Respect their choice. You can still seek support for yourself and revisit the conversation later when things are calmer.
Focus on your safety and wellbeing if your loved one refuses help. You can join a support group for family members, set boundaries, and keep your own appointments with a doctor or therapist. If children are involved, their needs matter too; read our guide on supporting children affected by a loved one’s substance use for age-appropriate ways to help them feel safe and heard.
Debunking Two Common Addiction Myths
You might have seen the '3-3-3 rule' online and asked if it measures how serious things are. People use this phrase many ways online. It is not a standard framework in major U.S. addiction guidance. Do not use it to judge someone’s condition or decide if they need help. Only a licensed clinician can assess that through an individual evaluation.
You may also see lists naming the 'worst' addictions. There is no universal ranking for this. Risks change based on the person, their health history, and their surroundings.For example, opioids carry a high risk of overdose, while alcohol withdrawal can be medically dangerous without supervision. Risks vary widely, so a simple top-three list does not reflect reality.
Skip online rules and rankings if you worry about one person. Reach out to their doctor or a licensed therapist for an assessment. They can review the whole situation and suggest safe next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I attend a family support meeting if my loved one will not go?
Yes. These groups support people affected by another's substance use, so the user does not need to attend with you. Al-Anon, for example, runs peer-led mutual support groups for family and others affected by drinking.[1] Review the group’s official membership info and meeting details before joining.
How can I find an addiction support group near me?
Are online support groups available for families?
Yes. Some family-focused groups list online or electronic meetings alongside in-person options. SMART Recovery lists online meetings for family members. Nar-Anon offers an online support discussion forum.[3] Check the current official listing for format, participation rules, and privacy info.
Is addiction a family disease?
The phrase is sometimes used to describe how substance use can affect family relationships and wellbeing. It does not mean that relatives caused the substance use disorder or can control another person’s recovery; “family disease” is not itself a formal diagnosis. Your loved one’s choices are not your responsibility, but you can find help for yourself.
Can family therapy help if my loved one refuses treatment?
Some methods work with concerned family members, so the person using substances may not need to attend. For example, Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT) teaches friends and family how to encourage positive behaviors in someone with an alcohol problem.[6] Talk to a qualified clinician about the approach, its goals, and if it fits your situation.
Will insurance cover family counseling or peer-support meetings?
Coverage depends on the plan and service; peer meetings and clinical family counseling may be treated differently. Federal parity rules apply to many plans with mental health and substance use disorder benefits. Parity does not require plans to offer these benefits or cover every service.[9] Ask the plan if the service is covered, if the clinician must be in network, and what costs apply. You can also check your insurance coverage.
