Someone I love is drinking or using drugs
Help before they are ready, treatment and your rights.
4 steps
Step 1 of 4: Help before they are ready to quit
Harm reduction keeps them safer now.
- Harm ReductionYes, your family member can get help before they are ready to quit. Harm reduction means keeping them alive and safer today, so they have a tomorrow to recover in. Here is what it is, how to get naloxone (free in some counties, including San Mateo and Santa Clara), how to respond to an overdose, and how to love someone without giving up on them or on yourself.Guide
- Overdose response cardPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 2 of 4: Find treatment
Pick the one that fits.
Do one of these:
- Adult drug and alcohol treatmentSomeone you love is drinking or using, and they are ready to get help, or close to it. In California, one phone call to the county starts treatment, and many people pay little or nothing. Here is who to call, what kinds of treatment exist, how to pay for it, and what to do while you wait.Guide
- Teen Substance Use HelpFinding out your teen is drinking, vaping or using drugs is frightening. Take a breath. Help for teens usually does not start with rehab. It often starts with one conversation and a short program near home or at school. Here is what to do first, who to call (with Bay Area programs listed), how Medi-Cal can pay, and what your teen can do on their own.Guide
Step 3 of 4: Treatment and immigration
Getting help is not a crime.
- Drug and Alcohol Help and ImmigrationGetting help for drinking or drug use is not a crime, and treatment records have strong legal protection. But immigration law does treat drug and alcohol use as a health issue, and it can come up at a green card medical exam. Here is what is known, what treatment can actually do for your case, and who to ask before you speak.Guide
- Medication for Addiction TreatmentMedicine for opioid or alcohol addiction is real treatment, not a swap. Federal health officials say these medicines are evidence based and help people stay alive and stay in recovery. Here is what each medicine does, how to get it in California, how Medi-Cal and county programs pay for it, and what immigrants should know.Guide
- Treatment papers to keepPrint it and fill it in by handChecklist
Step 4 of 4: Get help from a person
You do not have to do this alone. Ask about cost, languages and current openings before you share documents.
This page puts DNLH guides in a useful order. It is general information, not legal advice. Each guide shows its sources and the date its facts were checked.
Not quite your situation?
All situations- Someone I love may be thinking about suicideWhat to do now, how to ask and how to keep them safe.4 steps
- I feel overwhelmed, anxious or downCalm your body, know the signs and find counseling.4 steps
- My child or teen is strugglingNotice, talk and get them help.4 steps
- Someone I love was deported or detainedGrief, the children and living with fear.4 steps