I'm a Friend or Family

Treatment professionals often remark that substance use and mental health disorders are “family” diseases. The point is that everyone close to the problem is affected. Over the years, support groups have developed for family members and friends and can be found through the phone book or a search on the Internet.

Three well-known support groups are linked below — each can offer information and assistance for family and friends:

• Al-aon and Alateen
• Nar-Anon
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI