Empowering families affected by substance use

Using effective communication skills can help you develop and maintain better relationships with your relative. Clear communication can allow you to better deal with a conflict and help de-escalate a crisis situation. Although improved communication may not solve all problems, it can make the relationship and living situation less stressful.

Some benefits of improving communication may include:

a greater likelihood of being heard and getting what you want
a greater likelihood of hearing and understanding the person with a substance use problem
a greater ability to express feelings, needs and desires
a greater sense of integrity as a result of not turning to unhealthy communication methods
a greater ability to set limits
a greater ability to be supportive and helpful
less fighting or nagging
less hostility in the relationship
less stress.