Supporting loved ones in crisis

NEWSLETTER

Resources to Help You Help Your Loved One

Parents and caregivers are navigating a substance use landscape that looks very different than it did even a few years ago. Our goal is to provide trusted information, practical tools, and resources that help families stay informed and prepared.

1. Overdose Awareness for Families

There is encouraging news in the fight against overdose. Recent data show that overdose deaths have gone down from the record highs seen in recent years. This progress is in part because of more awareness, expanded access to naloxone (a medication that can reverse an opioid overdose if used in time), improved prevention efforts, and greater availability of treatment and recovery services.

Even with this progress, overdoses are still a serious concern. Many overdoses today involve more than one substance. Some people may also take counterfeit pills or drugs that contain fentanyl without knowing it.

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That's why it's important for families to learn the signs of an overdose (difficulty walking and/or talking, staying awake, blue lips and fingertips, clammy skin, choking, gurgling or snoring sounds, unable to wake up even when shaken or shouted at) and know what to do in an emergency.

If you suspect an overdose:

- Administer naloxone (if opioids are involved).
- Call 911 immediately, even if naloxone is given.
- Stay with the person until emergency responders arrive.

Knowing how to recognize an overdose, and responding quickly, can save a life.

Learn more with these resources:

- How to Use Naloxone to Stop an Opioid Overdose ([link removed] )
- Fentanyl Poisoning & Counterfeit Pills Resource Center ([link removed] )
- 988 vs 911: When to Call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Instead of Emergency Services ([link removed] )

2. Recognizing the Signs, Finding Support

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Every family's experience with substance use is different. For some, the warning signs are sudden and unmistakable. For others, the changes happen gradually, making it difficult to know when concern has become something more urgent.

In this moving story, Christina shares her family's experience of recognizing the signs, navigating uncertainty, and taking action.

"There had been warning signs, but seeing [my son] lose consciousness during an overdose changed everything."

You can read her full story on our social media channels here:

Instagram ([link removed] ) | Facebook ([link removed] )

For free resources and support visit drugfree.org/getsupport ([link removed] ) .

3. Creating a Family Safety Plan

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One of the most effective ways to prepare for challenging situations is to have a plan before a crisis occurs. The Family Safety Plan for Mental Health & Substance Use ([link removed] ) is a practical worksheet designed to help families think through how they will respond if concerns about mental health or substance use arise.

Completing the plan together can help families:

- Identify trusted adults and support people.
- Discuss warning signs that someone may be struggling.
- Decide when to call 988 or 911 in an emergency.
- List emergency contacts, healthcare providers, and local resources in one place.
- Encourage open, ongoing conversations about mental health and substance use before a crisis happens.

Having these conversations ahead of time can reduce uncertainty during stressful moments and help families respond more calmly and confidently when support is needed.

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Explore all of our mental health resources here:

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Co-Occurring Disorders Resource Center ([link removed] )

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Video: Co-Occurring Disorders Explained ([link removed] )

- Coping Skills for Tweens: How to Help Your Middle Schooler Handle Big Feelings ([link removed] )

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