How to Tell Someone You Have an Addiction

Trying to figure out how to tell someone you have an addiction can be tough, but with the right information and tools, this experience can be an incredibly positive one.

Since addiction is a progressive condition, the sooner you enlist help, the sooner you can begin your recovery.

Read on for tips on how to let your loved ones know you are addicted to drugs or alcohol. 

If you’re struggling with alcohol or drug addiction, call our confidential hotline for help at 866.330.9449.

Who Should I Tell About My Addiction?

When deciding who to talk to about your addiction, make sure you choose someone you trust who has shown support and trustworthiness in the past. Finding someone who will listen without judgment is key, whether that person is a close friend, family member, counselor, or healthcare professional.

It’s also important to consider individuals who may also have struggled with addiction in the past. As long as they’re not in active addiction, they can provide an invaluable source of advice, support, and personal experience on how to get the help you need.

If you don’t feel comfortable sharing with anyone you currently know, an addiction support group like Alcoholics Anonymous or an addiction treatment program is a great place to start.

Telling Someone You’re an Addict

If you think you have an addiction, you might be wondering who to talk to about it. Maybe you’re a teenager living at home and want to tell your parents. Or perhaps you want to tell your partner that you think you’re addicted to alcohol or drugs. Maybe you’re looking to help a friend who is struggling, and you need to know how to tell someone they have an addiction. 

Let’s look at some of these situations to guide you in getting the help you need, starting with how to tell your parents about your substance abuse. 

Telling Your Parents

Admitting you have an addiction is an important first step to recovery. However, telling your parents about it can be intimidating. You may feel scared or reluctant and you might worry about disappointing them. While each situation is unique, here are some tips to help you talk to your parents about alcohol or drug use: 

• Pick the right time: Choose a time and place that is calm, quiet, and private. This lets you have a focused conversation. Don’t spring this on them when they’re busy or in public.
• Be sober: Do not approach this conversation after using drugs or alcohol. Being clear-headed helps convey sincerity and make a strong case for seeking help.
• Educate your parents: If they don’t know much about addiction, help them understand it’s a chronic condition that involves uncontrollable use despite bad outcomes. This lets them see that you didn’t choose to act this way.
• Be honest and open: Be honest about how you started using drugs or alcohol and why you want to change. Share your desire to find the right treatment.
• Apologize for your mistakes: If your substance use has hurt them or lead to negative consequences, apologize. Owning up to past mistakes helps rebuild trust.
• Ask for help and explain why you want it: If you have already researched treatment options, share this with your parents. If not, work together to find the right rehab or support groups that will help you on the path to recovery. They will likely express concern and work to get you the help you need for your addiction problem.

Telling Your Significant Other

Telling your significant other about your addiction can be just as challenging, especially if you’re afraid of their reaction or worried about the impact on your relationship. Here’s how you can get started with this conversation: 

• Choose the right moment: Like with your parents, timing is key. Find a private, calm, and safe space for this chat. Make sure you are not rushed or distracted.
• Be clear-headed: Stay sober for this conversation. This will help you communicate more openly and honestly. Abusing alcohol and drugs can cloud your judgment, and you want to make sure your message comes through clearly.
• Consider their point of view: Your partner may have noticed changes in your behavior. They may have concerns of their own. Be ready to listen and understand their feelings.
• Explain the effect on your relationship: Be open about how your addiction has affected your relationship. Admit any stress or harm it has caused and take charge of your actions.
• Be ready to answer questions: Your significant other might have questions about your addiction and what it means for your future together. Be honest in your responses, even if they are hard.
• Discuss the road to recovery: Share your desire for change and what you are ready to do. Involve your partner in your recovery plan so they can support you along the way.
• State your commitment: Let them know you are ready to do what it takes to stop drug abuse and maintain your relationship. Share how you plan to rebuild trust and make things better.
• Give them space to process: This conversation may come as a shock to your partner. Give them time to absorb the information and process their emotions. Be patient and show understanding.

How to Know If You’re an Addict

It can be difficult to work out if you have an addiction. Here are some common signs of substance use disorders that you should be aware of: 

• Needing more to get the same effect (tolerance).
• Feeling sick when not using drugs or alcohol (withdrawal).
• Continuing to use drugs or alcohol despite problems it causes in your life. 

If you feel that you are neglecting duties, losing interest in things you once enjoyed, or feeling like you can’t stop drug and alcohol abuse, these are also warning signs of addiction. If you identify with several of these signs, it might be time to reach out for help.

For a full list of addiction symptoms, click here. 

Addiction Treatment at Renaissance Recovery

Addiction can affect anyone, regardless of their background. If you or someone you care about needs help getting back on track after substance abuse, contact Renaissance Recovery in Huntington Beach, CA. 

We provide treatment for all kinds of addictions in an outpatient setting at our high-end beachside facility. This means you get the care you need without putting your personal or work life on hold. For those who need more structure, we also offer intensive outpatient programs. If you need help with alcohol or physical drug withdrawal symptoms, we can put you in touch with detox centers across California. 

At Renaissance, our alcohol and drug addiction programs offer customized treatment that may include: 

• Talk therapy (CBT and DBT)
• Medication-assisted treatment
• Holistic approaches
• Family therapy for family members
• Group therapy
• One-on-one counseling
• Aftercare planning 
• Dual diagnosis and mental health treatment

Call our recovery experts today at 866.330.9449 for immediate help for alcohol or drug addiction.