Family members and friends are often the first to reach out — not the person who needs support. This page speaks directly to you.
If you are concerned about a family member, significant other, or friend, reaching out for help can be an important first step. You do not have to know exactly what type of treatment they need. That is what the assessment process is designed to help determine.
Connecting Bridges is a nonjudgmental space, and transparency is important. The more accurate the information we receive, the better we can understand what is happening and determine what type and level of support may be appropriate.
When you call, tell us what you have observed and what concerns you. This may include changes in substance use, behavior, mood, relationships, employment, housing, legal concerns, daily responsibilities, or other areas of functioning.
Whenever possible, we also want to speak directly with the individual. If your loved one or significant other is with you and willing to talk, they are welcome to participate in the conversation. If they are not available at that time, we can arrange another time for them to speak with us directly. We want to hear their perspective, concerns, goals, and what they believe is happening in their life. Information from family members can be helpful, but the individual’s voice is an important part of understanding the whole picture.
We encourage honesty without judgment. There is no need to make the situation appear better or worse than it actually is. A thorough assessment depends on accurate information about substance use, mental health, daily functioning, strengths, challenges, support systems, and other circumstances affecting the person’s life.
Supporting someone does not mean controlling their recovery. You can encourage them to have the conversation, support their decision to seek help, and allow them to be honest about where they are. Our goal is not to judge where someone has been. We want to understand where they are now, what is getting in the way, and what support may help them move forward.
Sometimes the person you are concerned about is not ready to talk about treatment, and that does not mean you have to wait until there is a crisis to ask questions.
Connecting Bridges can speak with family members, significant others, or other concerned individuals about available options and possible next steps, even when your loved one is not yet ready to engage with us directly. We can help you better understand what you are seeing, discuss appropriate ways to approach the conversation, and explain what the assessment and treatment process may look like.
Our goal is not to pressure, shame, or force someone into treatment. When the individual is willing, we would like the opportunity to speak with them directly, hear their perspective, answer their questions, and allow them to participate in decisions about their care. Sometimes the first step is simply a conversation. We can start there.
Supporting someone who is struggling with substance use or mental health concerns can affect you, too. Family members, significant others, and friends may experience stress, worry, frustration, fear, or uncertainty while trying to help someone they care about. You deserve support as well. These national organizations provide information and support for families, friends, and caregivers:
A conversation costs nothing and commits you to nothing.