Updated December 2016 by Defense 

Centers of Excellence for Psychological 

Health and Traumatic Brain Injury 

Resources

DoD and VA Specific Resources

Military Crisis Line 

800-273-8255, service members and veterans, press 1

Military One Source

www.militaryonesource.mil

800-342-9647

My HealtheVet

www.myhealth.va.gov

inTransition Program

http://intransition.dcoe.mil

800-424-7877

Outside the US collect: 314-387-4700

DoD Deployment Health Clinical Center

www.pdhealth.mil/clinical/resources-4

Be There

www.betherepeersupport.com

844-357-7337

External Resources

National Institute on Drug Abuse

www.drugabuse.gov

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism

www.niaaa.nih.gov

SAMHSA’s National Helpline

Provides 24-hour free and confidential information and 

treatment referrals in English and Spanish;

Call 800-662-HELP (4357) or 800-487-4889 (TTY)

SAMHSA’s “Behavioral Health Treatments and 

Services” Website

www.samhsa.gov/treatment

1 Schuckit, M.A., An overview of genetic influences in alcoholism. 

Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, 36(1); S5-14, 2009

2 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration 

(SAMHSA). Data spotlight: More than 7 Million Children Live with a 

Parent with Alcohol Problems, 2012. Available at: http://media.samhsa.

gov/data/spotlight/Spot061ChildrenOfAlcoholics2012.pdf

Substance Use Disorder 

Affects Families 

Resilience

Reintegration

Recovery

Facts on substance use disorder

 One of the most important signs of a substance use 

disorder is using drugs or alcohol even when using them 

causes severe physical, psychological and emotional pain

 Substance misuse can get worse over time, hurting the 

person using drugs or alcohol and the entire family

 Substance abuse/dependence is a serious problem:

− It affects people of every race, ethnicity, gender 

and location

− In 2014, about 8 percent of people in the United States 

were affected by a substance use disorder

− Excessive alcohol and illicit drug use cost the United 

States approximately $416 billion per year in crime, lost 

work productivity, foster care, medical care and other 

social problems

 Substance abuse/dependence is an illness that can be 

treated; millions of Americans and their families are in 

healthy recovery from substance use disorder

Notes/Local Resources:

References
Reminders for families

 Substance use disorder affects the entire family and close 

friends, even if only one person has it

 It’s not your fault! 

− It is a disorder

− You need and deserve help for yourself and your 

family members

− Your family member with the disorder is responsible to 

make it stop

 People with a history of substance use disorder in their 

families are more likely to have a substance use disorder

 You are not alone!

− More than 10 percent of U.S. children live with a parent 

who misuses or is addicted to alcohol2

− Thousands live with parental drug abuse 

− A lot of people come from families with a substance 

use disorder

1. Ask for help: If someone close to you misuses alcohol or 

drugs, the first step is to be open about the problem and ask 

for help

− Children who have alcohol or drug abuse/dependence 

in the family can get help by talking with adults and 

peers such as teachers, doctors, school counselors and 

support groups 

2. Support your loved one's efforts to seek help: Finding 

services for your family also supports your loved one's next 

steps toward recovery

− Family support and motivation are important for 

successful treatment

− Treatment works

3. Find out about treatment options: There are many treatments 

that work for addiction; the final step to recovery is when alcohol 

or substance abuse/dependence stops

4. Talk with children: It is important to talk with children about 

what is happening in the family and to help them talk about 

their fears and feelings; children need to trust the adults in 

their lives and to believe that they will support them

Does your family member have a 

substance abuse/dependence problem?

When your family member has been drinking or using drugs does 

he or she do any of the following (check all that apply):

q Embarrass you?

q Blame you for things?

q Break promises?

q Drive under the influence?

q Make bad decisions?

q Behave badly?

If one or more of these are true for your family member, he or she 

may be misusing drugs or alcohol.

1. Are the men in your family drinking more than 14 drinks a 

week or four drinks on one occasion?

q Yes q No

2. Are the women in your family drinking more than seven drinks 

a week or three drinks on one occasion?

q Yes q No

If one of these is true for your family member, talk to him or 

her about contacting a health care provider.

Help is available and possible for your loved one!

ACTION STEPS 

What are the possible effects of substance 

abuse/dependence on my family? 

Substance abuse/dependence causes stress on the family, which 

can lead to many family problems.

 Health effects: Substance abuse/dependence can increase the 

risk for HIV, fetal alcohol syndrome, premature death, injury 

and increased risk taking

 Effects on children: Children whose parents have a substance 

use disorder have an increased risk of the following problems:

− Alcohol misuse: They are about four times more likely than 

the general population to develop alcohol problems1

− Conduct problems: They may feel frustrated and have an 

increased risk of aggressive behavior and crime

− Academic problems: Learning difficulties, lower 

concentration and disruptiveness

− Emotional problems: Anger, poor self-esteem, withdrawal 

and sadness

 Marital problems: When a family member has alcohol use 

disorder, there is an increased chance of divorce

 Legal problems: Problems such as unpaid bills, driving under 

the influence, and crime

 Financial problems: Loss of a job and money; a family 

member may forget to pay or ignore bills because of 

substance abuse/dependence