How To Address Substance Abuse

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Do you have a family member who recently shared how hopeless they feel? Are you noticing your friend drinking or using drugs a lot more lately?

Addressing substance abuse can be difficult, but it can be easier when you have the right tools and resources to support your struggling loved ones. Understand what’s available to talk to those dealing with substance abuse or misuse or mental health issues. Here are everyday situations and ways to help:

  • Suicide prevention: The National Institute of Mental Health created five actionable steps to help someone in emotional pain: ask, keep them safe, be there, help them connect, and stay associated with them. Understand each support step closer.
  • Opioid misuse: Though these drugs can be helpful when prescribed and used under a health care provider’s direction, opioids like oxycodone can be very dangerous and even deadly. Review HHS.gov/Opioids to learn about prevention tools, find treatment programs and support the recovery of a loved one struggling with addiction.
  • Alcohol abuse: Know the risks, recognize and address alcohol use disorder with the ‘How Much is Too Much?’ tool from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
  • Youth tobacco use: No matter how it’s delivered, nicotine is addictive and harmful, especially to youth and young adults. Get the facts about e-cigarette abuse from the U.S. Surgeon General to keep the kids in your life safe.

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