Resources for Families
Living with Substance Use
Start Here: Encouragement and Practical Skills
A Guide for Parents
Connection & Hope
You don’t have to wait for your child to hit "rock bottom" before change is possible. This free downloadable guide offers three very practical, evidence-based strategies to help you parent with compassion, connection, and hope. Learn how to encourage your child’s recovery while building a safer, healthier path forward—for them and for you.
How to Talk to Your Child
A Communication Guide
When emotions run high, it’s easy to fall into patterns of yelling, blaming, or shutting down. This guide offers a compassionate, evidence-based approach to communication—so you can be heard, stay connected, and support your child without escalating conflict. Inside, you’ll learn practical strategies from the CRAFT model, including how to speak calmly and clearly, avoid common pitfalls, and create conversations that build trust and motivation.
Weekly Recovery Quotes
Resilient Reflections
Weekly inspiration for parents navigating a child’s substance use
When someone you love is struggling, it’s easy to feel worn down or uncertain. Resilient Reflections offers small moments of strength, hope, and perspective—delivered gently to your inbox each week.
These curated quotes and reflections are designed to meet you where you are, reminding you that healing is possible and you're not alone. A simple, steady source of encouragement for the road ahead.
Videos
Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong
In this powerful TED Talk, Johann Hari challenges old ideas about addiction and offers a new perspective centered on connection rather than punishment. Through research and personal stories, he shows that rebuilding relationships and belonging can be key to healing addiction.
Podcasts
Heart of the Matter
Hosted by journalist Elizabeth Vargas and produced by Partnership to End Addiction, The Heart of the Matter shares real stories from families and individuals impacted by substance use. Through honest conversations and expert insights, the podcast offers hope, support, and practical guidance for navigating addiction and recovery.
Let's Talk: Addiction & Recovery Podcasts
A podcast from the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, hosted by recovery advocate William C. Moyers. Each episode features expert conversations on addiction treatment, research, and recovery, offering insight, hope, and guidance for families and individuals affected by substance use.
Organizations
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Partnership to End Addiction
Support, education, and personalized guidance for families navigating a loved one's substance use - rooted in science, compassion, and hope. Their approach is grounded in the belief that families play a powerful role in recovery.
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SAMHSA - Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA is a national organization offering free, 24/7 support for individuals and families facing substance use and mental health challenges. Their helpline connects callers with treatment resources, crisis counseling, and local support services — confidentially and at no cost.
Books
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Beyond Addiction, by Jeffrey Foote & Colleagues
A guide grounded in hope and science, Beyond Addiction empowers families to move beyond fear and frustration. With practical tools and a compassionate approach, it shows how small, supportive steps can encourage meaningful change — and strengthen the connection between you and your loved one.
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The Gifts of Imperfection, by Brené Brown
A guide to embracing authenticity, courage, and compassion over perfectionism. Why it matters: Healing from addiction involves letting go of shame and rebuilding connection.
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Tending Dandelions, by Sandra Swenson
In the shadows of our child's struggles with addiction, we find ourselves tending to a life for which we weren't prepared. Yet that place also holds great opportunity for personal growth. These meditations provide encouragement and understanding for those who are realizing that recovery rarely follows a neat or comfortable path.