6. Empowering Yourself through Support and Self-Care

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Finding support

Self-reflection activity


self-reflection icon
    What kind of support have you received in dealing with your loved one who has a substance use problem?

    How was the support helpful?

Researchers have consistently found a positive association between the quality of people’s support and their health, well-being and/or recovery.

A supportive person is someone who:

    is aware and knows about the problem
    is available to listen and understand
    is non-judgmental and accepting
    does not take sides
    is sensitive in knowing when to give advice
    offers material help
    offers help in accessing support services.

An unsupportive person is someone who:

    encourages substance misuse by the person who uses substances
    is uninvolved in the situation
    is uninformed about the situation
    condemns the situation
    has a harsh attitude toward the person who uses substances
    gives unhelpful advice.

Empowering Families Affected by Substance Use © , CAMH.