I need to help a union Brother/Sister or family member
When someone you care about is struggling with drugs or alcohol, it can feel overwhelming. Whether it’s a union Brother or Sister, or someone in your family, you don’t have to carry that burden alone. Navigator is here to support you and the people you love, every step of the way.
Our Care Consultants are ready to stand with you. They know the ins and outs of preventative steps and treatment options. They will guide you toward the right support for your Brother, Sister, or family member.
The Hard Conversation
When your loved one feels ready to call us, we will listen to them, understand what level of care they need and help them consider some steps they can take to start their treatment journey. Bringing up your concern with your Brother, Sister or family member can be challenging, but there are some helpful ways to go about it.
Choose a time to talk
Discuss when both of you are calm and when your loved one is not high, hungover, or experiencing a withdrawal. If they seem upset about their substance use or are talking about wanting to make a change, this would be a good time to chat with them about it.
Keep it brief
We don’t want them to tune out of the conversation. Have an idea of the important things you want to talk about beforehand, so you can keep it short and simple.
Stay positive
Tell your Brother, Sister or family member that you called us at Navigator, and explain why in a positive way. For example, “I’ve been worried about you, and I was hoping they could help me support you better.”
Avoid negative communication
Even those you care about may feel attacked, become upset or try to defend themselves rather than listen if you criticize or use extreme measures like ultimatums.
Support your loved one
Tell your Brother, Sister or family member how much you value and care for them and that you understand what they’re going through. For example, “I believe that you deserve a better life”, “I know this is really tough for you”.
Suggest calling Navigator
Ask them, “Is now an OK time for you to do something for me — to call the people at Navigator?” Suggest it in a positive way: “What would you think about speaking with the people I spoke with at Navigator?” Or “Would you be willing to give Navigator a call, to see what they have to offer?”These guidelines are based on the empirically supported approach known as Community Reinforcement and Family Training (CRAFT).
See: Meyers RJ, Wolfe BL. Get Your Loved One Sober: Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading, and Threatening. Center City, MN: Hazelden, 2004.
Smith JE, Meyers RJ. Motivating Substance Abusers to Enter Treatment: Working With Family Members. New York, NY: The Guilford Press, 2004.
We are here to help.
Give us a call to get started
833-380-5776833-380-5776
How to explain what we do at Navigator
Assure your Brother, Sister or family member that there are no obligations.
This is only an initial conversation, not a commitment to go to treatment
When they speak to a Navigator Care Consultant, their personal situation will
always be treated with the utmost care and respect.
Support when
you need it
Reaching out to others for support can help keep things from becoming overwhelming. You are always welcome to call a Navigator Care Consultant for confidential guidance on how to support your Brother, Sister or family member.
It could also help to connect with other friends and families of people managing substance use.
