If This Feels Familiar, You Are Not Alone

When alcohol use affects someone you love, you may be carrying more than you, or others, realize. As a caregiver, you may be managing worry, difficult conversations, health and safety concerns, or the pressure of holding your family together.

FAM is creating space for more open, compassionate conversations about alcohol use disorder so patients and caregivers can find information, support, and a path forward without judgement.

Despite how common alcohol use disorder (AUD) is in America, few people living with it seek help, and just 2.6% will receive medications for AUD.¹ This widespread health condition is marked by stigma and misunderstanding that can make it harder for people and families to seek support. And AUD doesn’t just affect the person living with it — it reshapes relationships, health, and stability for the loved ones who support them.

Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. That’s why FAM provides resources, information, and community to help caregivers and other family members better define their specific needs and perspectives on progress. We’re convening experts, advocates, and those with lived experience to join us in building a compassionate road to recovery.

25.7 Million Americans

live with AUD, but fewer than 3 in 100 receive medication supporting recovery.

Source: NIH

What is Alcohol Use Disorder?

AUD is a chronic medical condition in which a person has difficulty controlling alcohol use despite negative effects on their health, relationships, work, school, or daily responsibilities.² Healthcare professionals assess AUD based on a pattern of symptoms over time, and its severity can range from mild to severe.

As a caregiver, you may have heard terms like “alcoholism” or “alcoholic.” Today, the clinical term is “alcohol use disorder” – language that describes a treatable medical condition rather than defining a person by it.

AUD can look different from person to person. Your loved one may appear social and in control while alcohol use is still causing serious harm. As their caregiver, you may notice concerns long before your loved one is ready or able to name what is happening.

Impact on Health Learn More About Signs of AUD

When Silence and Stigma Get in the Way

Families may hear information or messages that minimize alcohol-related concerns, place blame, or make it harder to ask for help. These ideas can delay support and leave caregivers feeling alone.

Misconception: “They are still going to work, so it can’t be that serious.”

What to know: A person can appear to be managing some parts of life well while alcohol use is causing harm in other areas. Changes in health, relationships, or ability to control drinking can all be reasons to seek support.

Misconception: “If my loved one really wanted to stop, they would.”

What to know: AUD is a treatable health condition, not a failure of character or willpower. AUD can affect brain systems involved in reward, stress, habit formation, decision-making, and impulse control. With repeated heavy alcohol use, these changes can make it much harder to cut down or stop drinking without support³ – even when a person recognizes the harm alcohol is causing or wants to change.

Misconception: “I can’t say anything unless my loved one admits there is a problem.”

What to know: Caregivers can share factual observations with a healthcare professional and ask for guidance, even when a loved one minimizes alcohol use or is not ready to discuss it. You can’t control another person’s choices, but you can speak up about health, safety, and changes you’ve noticed.

Misconception: “My loved one needs to hit rock bottom first.”

What to know: You do not have to wait for a crisis, injury, or major health event to seek information or support. Raising concerns early and preparing for a conversation can help families respond before alcohol-related harms become more serious.

Misconception: “We should keep this private.”

What to know: Privacy matters, but it can leave caregivers without information or support. Speaking with a trusted healthcare professional, counselor, or caregiver community can help you move from isolation to supported.

Misconception: “If I set a boundary, I am abandoning them.”

What to know: Boundaries can help protect your health, safety, time, and well-being. Supporting your loved one does not mean being available for every need or carrying responsibility for their recovery alone.

Redefine Recovery

There is no single path to recovery from alcohol use disorder. Every person’s experiences, goals, needs, and support system are different – and progress may look different every day.

Caregivers can play an important role by encouraging support and sharing concerns. At the same time, supporting your loved one does not mean carrying responsibility for their recovery alone.

Resources to Support

Wherever you or your loved one are starting, support is available.

Caregiver and Family Support

NIAAA Caretaker Support Resources

Caregivers can face stress and uncertainty while supporting a loved one affected by alcohol use. Find resources on family therapy, peer support, and caregiver well-being.
Al-Anon Family Groups

Alcohol use can affect the entire family. Find peer support and connection for family members and friends impacted by AUD.
Alateen

Young people may need their own space to process the effects of a loved one’s drinking. Learn more about peer-support resources available through Alateen.
VA Caregiver Support

Veterans and their caregivers may face unique challenges when navigating alcohol use and recovery. Explore caregiver support, education, and services available through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
How to Help a Loved One With Alcohol Use

Supporting a loved one with alcohol use can affect the entire family. American Addiction Centers offers guidance on supporting a loved one, exploring treatment options, and caring for caregiver well-being.
How to Help a Family Member With Addiction

Supporting a loved one affected by alcohol use can be challenging for the entire family. Hazelden Betty Ford offers information on communication, healthy boundaries, family support, and treatment navigation.

Find Care and Support

NIAAA Alcohol Treatment Navigator

Finding quality alcohol treatment can feel overwhelming for individuals and families. This NIAAA resource helps identify treatment options, evaluate providers, and prepare for conversations about care.
FindTreatment.gov

Access to timely, appropriate care is an important part of addressing alcohol use disorder. Search for mental health and substance use treatment facilities by location, services, and level of care.
SAMHSA National Helpline

Families navigating alcohol use disorder may need support identifying local treatment and recovery resources. SAMHSA’s free, confidential helpline provides information and referrals 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Alcohol Anonymous

Peer support can be an important part of recovery for some individuals affected by AUD. Learn more about Alcoholics Anonymous, find local or online meetings, and access information for families and friends.
SMART Recovery

Different recovery approaches may work for different individuals and families. SMART Recovery offers peer-support meetings and practical tools for individuals affected by alcohol use and their families.
The Daily Pledge

Connection can be an important source of support for people affected by alcohol or drug addiction. Hazelden Betty Ford’s Daily Pledge is a free online community for people in recovery, people exploring recovery, and loved ones seeking support.

Learn and Start a Conversation

SAMHSA: Alcohol Use Disorder

Stigma and misunderstanding can make it harder for people and families to seek help. Check out SAMHSA’s overview of AUD, including causes, symptoms, treatment, and support resources.
How to Talk to A Loved One About Addiction

Starting a conversation about alcohol use can feel difficult for families and caregivers. American Addiction Centers offers practical guidance on preparing for a discussion, using non-stigmatizing language, setting boundaries, and exploring treatment-support options.
CDC: Preventing Excessive Alcohol Use With Proven Strategies

Communities and health systems play an important role in preventing alcohol-related harms. Explore evidence-based policies and strategies that can reduce excessive alcohol use.
CDC: About Moderate Alcohol Use

Understanding alcohol-related health risks can help individuals and families make informed decisions. Learn more about how drinking less or not drinking can reduce harm.
CDC: Preventing Alcohol-Related Harms

Alcohol-related harms can affect individuals, families, and communities. Learn more about evidence-based strategies that communities and policymakers can use to improve health and safety.
CDC: Preventing Underage Drinking With Community Strategies

Preventing underage drinking requires support from families, communities, and policymakers. Explore proven strategies that can protect the health, safety, and well-being of young people.
Alcohol Use Disorder Guide

Understanding alcohol use disorder can help individuals and families recognize concerns and explore available support. Hazelden Betty Ford provides information on AUD signs, withdrawal risks, treatment options, recovery, and caregiver support.
Partnership to End Addiction: Alcohol Resource Center

Alcohol use can affect the health and well-being of individuals and families. Partnership to End Addiction provides information on alcohol-related risks, prevention, treatment, recovery, and harm reduction, along with free, confidential support for families.