Family Members and Friends of People Experiencing Addiction

For family members and friends of people experiencing addiction, if you need advice and support on where to turn, there are many options.

In Crisis / General Information

The Helpline provides free and confidential information and referrals for alcohol and other drug abuse problems and related concerns. Services are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Language interpreters are always available.

Phone:  800-GAM-1234 (Toll free)

TTY:  617-426-1855

  • For individuals who have served in the US Military and their families:

These services are free, confidential, and available 24/7/365 to any Veteran and their loved ones, even if they are not registered with Veterans Administration (VA) or enrolled in VA health care.

Veterans’ Crisis Line (Federal)

The Statewide Advocacy for Veterans' Empowerment (SAVE) Team (Massachusetts)

Ongoing Support

  • Al-Anon and Al-Ateen (for both see Alanon Family Groups of Massachusetts) and other mutual support groups can give ongoing support.
  • Allies in Recovery (AiR) Allies in Recovery (AiR) provides instruction and social networking for family members and loved ones who want to learn tools and techniques to help someone in their life who struggles with substance abuse. In addition to the e-learning platform, the site includes several blogs, written especially for people who have been touched by addiction. This is an opportunity to pose questions, interact with other members, and receive expert guidance. Massachusetts residents can join for free by entering a Massachusetts zip code in the Promotional Code field.
  • Overdose reversal Massachusetts has been at the forefront of training the public (people with addictions and those who care about or work with them) in using intra-nasal naloxone (Narcan) for reversal of opioid overdoses. See the Bureau of Substance Addiction Services Opioid Overdose Prevention information page to find out more.
  • Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling

1-800-GAM-1234 (Toll free)

TTY 617-426-1855

Career and Volunteer Opportunities

Many Family members and friends of people who have experienced addiction find it has been a live-changing experience. Some become Counselors or Advocates, or provide peer recovery coaching or other recovery supports to people going through the same experience. Explore the Your Career pages to see even more options. Many programs have client advisory boards on which family members and friends can serve.