What Families Can Do Tonight

Put immediate safety first. If there is an overdose, severe medical danger, or threat of harm, call 911. If there is a crisis, call or text 988. If you are seeking local referrals, call 211.

If the situation is not an emergency, write down what you have observed, stop making promises you cannot keep, and contact a treatment provider for guidance. A calm plan is more helpful than another night of panic.

Supporting someone does not mean becoming their monitor, financial safety net, or only source of hope. Pay attention to what you can realistically offer, what is unsafe, and what support you need to stay steady. A counselor or treatment team can help you separate compassion from rescuing and make a plan you can actually keep.

If you are preparing to talk, choose a calm moment and describe specific observations rather than arguing about labels. Offer one concrete next step, such as making a call together or gathering information. If there is immediate danger, an overdose, or a threat of harm, call 911. You can seek professional guidance even when the person you love is not ready.

You can care about someone and still make choices that protect your own health, home, finances, and relationships. Consider writing down the boundary you need, the support you will call on, and what you will do if the boundary is not respected. Clear plans help families respond with steadiness instead of making every decision in the middle of a crisis.