Family Resources

Family Support for Substance Use Disorder

Behind every person battling addiction is a network of caregivers—parents, partners, children, friends, and neighbors. We want to help share existing resources so you can grow your network of support in a way that meets your needs. 

Some resources you might want to check out are at the bottom of this page. If you want to see something added to this list or if something is outdated, send us an email. The resources listed are not endorsed by the University of Pittsburgh. This list was last updated on August 6, 2026.

Note: The explanations below were adapted from Addiction Explained by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM). Please click this link to see the Addiction Explained website.

Addiction is a Chronic Disease

Addiction is a long-term (chronic) medical condition, much like diabetes, asthma, or heart disease. It changes how the brain works, which is why simply telling someone to "just stop" rarely works. It is not a lack of willpower or a moral failing. Like other chronic diseases, it can be managed and treated, and people can and do recover, but it often involves ups and downs over time rather than a one-time fix.

How the Brain is Affected

Substances hijack the brain’s natural reward system:

1. Drugs and alcohol release a surge of dopamine (a "feel-good" chemical) far larger than pleasures like food or friendship.
2. Over time the brain produces less of its own dopamine, so the person needs the substance just to feel normal and needs more of it to feel good (this is "tolerance").
3. Over time, the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain that handles decisions and impulse control, becomes impaired, making it very hard to stop even when someone wants to.
4. When the brain links people, places, and stress to using a substance, it can spark powerful cravings long after someone quits.

The good news: the brain can heal. With time in recovery, many of these brain changes can be improved.

Factors Involved in Addiction

Addiction rarely comes from a single cause. It usually develops from a mix of factors:

• Genetics — A family history of addiction raises risk; genes account for a large share of vulnerability.
• Mental health — Depression, anxiety, trauma, or PTSD can lead people to self-medicate.
• Environment — Stress, peer influence, easy access to substances, and unstable home or work life all play a role.
• Early use — Starting to use substances at a young age increases the likelihood of addiction later.
• Life circumstances — Poverty, isolation, grief, or major life changes can contribute.

Levels of Patient Care

Patients benefit from different types of care depending on how severe their addiction is.

• Detox (Detoxification) — The first step, usually medically supervised, where the body clears substances safely. It manages withdrawal but is not treatment by itself. Since the body is actively withdrawing, the medical risk is highest here.
• Inpatient / Residential — The person lives at a facility full-time (often 30–90 days) and gets round-the-clock support.
• PHP (Partial Hospitalization Program) — A step down from residential where the person lives at home (or sober living) but attends treatment most of the day, several days a week. Think “full day, then go home!”
• IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) — Less time than PHP, usually a few hours a day, a few days a week. Lets the person keep working or going to school while still getting structured help.
• OP (Outpatient) — Usually for patients who are more stabilized. Occasional appointments, like weekly therapy or check-ins.
• Sober Living / Halfway House — A drug-free group home where people live while transitioning back to normal life. Not a treatment, but it helps provide structure and accountability for patients.

Common Terms

• Relapse — A return to substance use after a period of not using. It is often part of the healing process.
• Recovery — The ongoing process of staying well. It’s more than just quitting.
• MAT / MOUD (Medication-Assisted Treatment / Medications for Opioid Use Disorder) — Using approved medications, such as buprenorphine/Suboxone, methadone, or naltrexone.
• Dual Diagnosis / Co-Occurring — When someone has both a substance problem and a mental health condition (like depression or anxiety).
• Harm Reduction — Approaches aimed at reducing danger even if the person isn’t ready to quit, like Narcan/naloxone for overdoses.
• Continuum of Care — The idea that treatment moves through levels (detox → residential → PHP → IOP → OP) as the person stabilizes.
• Codependency — When a family member’s wellbeing gets overly tied up in the other person’s behavior.

Common Medications

These are medications providers may use as part of treatment. Brand names are in parentheses. Medication is only one piece of care and is sometimes combined with counseling and support depending on the Level of Care the patient needs. Providers will help decide what treatment works best for each person.

For Opioid Use Disorder

• Buprenorphine (Suboxone®, Subutex®, Sublocade®, Brixadi®) — A partial opioid that eases cravings and withdrawal. Comes as a daily film or tablet, or a long-acting monthly injection. It can be prescribed in a regular doctor’s office.
  • Suboxone® — Buprenorphine combined with naloxone, taken as a daily film that dissolves under the tongue. The added naloxone discourages misuse. This is the most commonly prescribed form.
  • Subutex® — Buprenorphine only (no naloxone), as an under-the-tongue tablet. The brand is discontinued in the U.S. but the same medicine is available as a generic; sometimes preferred during pregnancy.
  • Sublocade® and Brixadi® — Buprenorphine only, given as a once-a-month injection by a health care professional (not taken at home). Removes the need for daily dosing.
• Methadone (Dolophine®, Methadose®) — A long-acting opioid that reduces cravings and withdrawal. Taken daily at an Opioid Treatment Program (a specialty clinic). It cannot be prescribed in a regular doctor’s office.
• Naltrexone (Vivitrol®, ReVia®) — Blocks the effect of opioids. Using an opioid while taking naltrexone doesn’t produce the “high” one feels from opioids. Comes as a daily pill or a monthly injection. The person must be off opioids for several days before starting.
• Lofexidine (Lucemyra®) / Clonidine — Not addiction treatments themselves, but ease short-term withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, sweating, and aches during detox.

For Alcohol Use Disorder

• Naltrexone (Vivitrol®, ReVia®) — Reduces cravings and the urge to drink heavily. Comes as a daily pill or monthly injection. (Same medicine used for opioids.)
• Acamprosate (Campral®) — Helps the brain rebalance after someone stops drinking, easing cravings and supporting staying alcohol-free. Taken as a pill, usually three times a day.
• Disulfiram (Antabuse®) — Causes unpleasant reactions (nausea, flushing, headache) if the person drinks alcohol, which discourages drinking. Works best when taken under supervision.

For Overdose Emergencies

• Naloxone (Narcan®, Kloxxado®) — Rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. Given as a nasal spray or injection. Safe to keep on hand at home; call 911 right away when using it.

Note: medication names, brands, and availability can change. This list is general education, not prescription or medical advice. Always talk to a provider or pharmacist. The medications listed here are not endorsed by the University of Pittsburgh.

FAQs

How do I begin to help my loved one get help?

Start with a calm, caring conversation at a time when your loved one is not actively using a substance and things are steady. Let them know you care and that you’re worried, without blaming or lecturing. You don’t need to have all the answers first. A simple next step is to call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357, or talk to their doctor, who can point you toward the right kind of care. It also helps to learn a little about the treatment options ahead of time (see the Levels of Care), so you know what to ask about. And remember that change often takes more than one conversation, so try to keep the door open even if they aren’t ready right away.

Why does addiction happen to some people and not others?

Addiction does not have just one cause, so it affects different people in different ways and at different stages of life. It happens because of many factors. These include your genes, brain chemistry, where you live and work, mental health, and life experiences such as trauma.

What treatment options are available for patients, and what should I expect as their loved ones?

Treatment usually happens at different levels of care (see the Levels of Care above). Where someone starts treatment depends on their needs, and they may move between levels as they stabilize. Along the way, treatment often includes counseling, group support, and sometimes medication (MAT/MOUD). As a loved one, expect the process to take time and to include ups and downs, including possible relapses, which are common and not a sign of failure. You may be invited into family sessions, and you’ll likely be asked to help provide a stable, supportive environment. Taking care of yourself and setting healthy boundaries is part of this, too.

If people use medication to treat addiction, are they just trading one drug for another?

No. Addiction is not just about using a substance. It is about continuing to use substances or engaging in behaviors even when they are causing problems in your life. Using medication as part of a treatment plan helps in several ways. It can treat withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and help people feel more stable and able to focus on daily life, relationships, work, and health. Patients may need to take medications for life, much like you would see when treating a chronic disease like diabetes.

How can I support a loved one who is struggling with addiction?

Your support makes a difference. Helpful ways to show your care include listening without judgment, staying connected (checking in and being available), encouraging professional help, learning about addiction and recovery, and setting healthy boundaries to protect your own well-being. Most importantly, get support for yourself. As caregivers and loved ones, helping those going through addiction affects you as much as addiction affects them. It can be an exhausting process, but you don’t have to go at it alone. Check out the list table of resources below that may be helpful for you.

How much does treatment cost, and will insurance cover it?

The cost of treatment depends on the type and level of care you need. Inpatient treatment (staying at a facility) generally costs more than outpatient care (living at home while attending treatment visits). Most health insurance plans cover addiction treatment, similar to coverage for other medical conditions. When you contact a treatment provider, they can help check your insurance coverage. If you do not have insurance, options may still be available. Many programs offer payment plans. Some use sliding-scale fees based on income. They may also be able to connect you with low-cost or state-funded services.

Quick Ways for Patients to Get Help

• Talk to a physician who is an addiction specialist or a trusted primary care provider. They can screen, advise, and refer to treatment.
• Call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 (free, confidential, 24/7) for referrals and information.
• Reach out to a treatment center to ask about the right level of care (see more below).
• In an overdose emergency, call 911. Keep naloxone (Narcan) on hand if opioids are involved.

Helpline numbers and program details can change. Please confirm the current contact information before relying on it. This page is for general education purposes and is not medical advice.

National Resources

Local Resources — Allegheny County