How to Help Someone with Addiction & Mental Health Issues

When someone you care about is struggling with both addiction and mental health issues, it can feel overwhelming and heartbreaking. You want to help, but you may not know where to start or what to say. If you’re in the Knoxville area and watching a loved one battle these co-occurring disorders, you’re not alone—and there is hope.

At Restoration House Ministries, we understand that addiction rarely occurs in isolation. Our experience treating individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders has shown us that family support plays a crucial role in successful recovery. This guide will help you navigate this challenging journey with confidence and compassion.

Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, refers to the simultaneous presence of substance use disorders and mental health conditions. This combination is more common than many people realize—according to SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration), approximately 9.2 million adults in the U.S. experience both conditions. Understanding how to help someone with addiction and mental health challenges requires recognizing this complex relationship.

Why Integrated Treatment Matters

When someone has both addiction and mental health issues, treating only one condition often leads to relapse or incomplete recovery. For example, someone with depression who uses alcohol to self-medicate needs treatment for both the depression and the alcohol use disorder. This is why Restoration House Ministries focuses on co-occurring disorders treatment—we address the whole person, not just individual symptoms.

Common co-occurring mental health conditions include:

Depression and anxiety disorders
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Bipolar disorder
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Personality disorders

Mental disorders often develop alongside substance use disorder, creating a complex web of behavioral health challenges. Understanding substance abuse and mental health services administration guidelines helps families navigate the treatment landscape more effectively. The risk of substance use increases significantly when mental health conditions go untreated, which is why integrated care is essential.

Recognizing the Warning Signs

Understanding the signs of co-occurring disorders can help you determine when professional intervention is necessary. However, remember that only qualified mental health professionals can provide accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.

Signs of Substance Use Disorders:

Changes in behavior, mood, or personality
Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
Physical symptoms like bloodshot eyes, tremors, or sudden weight changes
Social isolation or changing friend groups
Financial problems or unexplained money issues
Legal troubles related to substance use
Continued drug use or alcohol use despite negative consequences

Signs of Mental Health Conditions:

Persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood swings
Extreme changes in eating or sleeping patterns
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Withdrawal from family and friends
Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
Inability to cope with daily stressors

When to Seek Professional Help

If you notice multiple warning signs persisting for several weeks, or if your loved one expresses thoughts of self-harm, it’s time to seek professional help immediately. Don’t wait for the situation to worsen—early intervention often leads to better outcomes. Contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline if someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts.

Opioid use disorder and alcohol use disorder are particularly dangerous and require immediate medical attention. Opioid addiction has reached crisis levels, with many people struggling with opioid use patterns that require specialized medication-assisted treatment. Healthcare providers can assess withdrawal symptoms and determine the best treatment approach.

How to Approach Your Loved One

Having a conversation about addiction and mental health requires careful planning, timing, and approach. Here’s how to create the best conditions for a productive discussion when you help someone facing these challenges:

Choose the Right Time and Setting

Have the conversation when your loved one is sober and alert
Choose a private, comfortable environment free from distractions
Avoid times of high stress or conflict
Allow plenty of time for the conversation without rushing

What to Say

Use “I” statements: “I’ve noticed you seem to be struggling, and I’m concerned about you.”

Express love and support: “I love you and want to help you get through this.”

Be specific about behaviors: “I’ve noticed you’ve been drinking more and seem really anxious lately.”

Offer hope: “There are effective treatments available, and many people recover from these challenges. Treatment programs are treatable and can help you find the best treatment for your situation.”

What Not to Say

Avoid labels like “addict” or “crazy”
Don’t make threats or ultimatums unless you’re prepared to follow through
Avoid lecturing or providing unsolicited advice
Don’t minimize their feelings or experiences
Refrain from making promises you can’t keep

Handling Resistance

It’s common for people with co-occurring disorders to deny problems or resist help. If your loved one becomes defensive:

Stay calm and non-confrontational
Listen to their concerns without arguing
Acknowledge their feelings as valid
Suggest starting with small steps, like talking to their primary care doctor
Consider involving a professional interventionist if necessary

Understanding that addiction often involves complex psychological factors can help you approach the conversation with empathy. Many people struggling with addiction feel shame about their substance misuse, making it emotionally exhausting for them to admit they need help.

Setting Healthy Boundaries

Supporting someone with addiction and mental health issues doesn’t mean enabling their destructive behaviors. Setting healthy boundaries protects both you and your loved one while you support someone through recovery.

Understanding the Difference: Enabling vs. Supporting

Enabling behaviors (avoid these):

Giving money when you suspect it will be used for substances
Making excuses for their behavior to employers or family
Lying to cover up their actions
Bailing them out of legal or financial consequences repeatedly
Ignoring dangerous or destructive behavior

Supporting behaviors (encourage these):

Offering emotional support and encouragement
Helping them research treatment options
Attending therapy sessions when appropriate
Participating in family education programs
Celebrating recovery milestones

Examples of Healthy Boundaries

“I love you, but I won’t give you money while you’re actively using substances.”
“I’m happy to drive you to treatment appointments, but I won’t call in sick for you at work.”
“I’ll support your recovery, but I need you to respect our house rules about sobriety.”
“I care about you, but I won’t tolerate verbal abuse or threats in our home.”

The Importance of Family Therapy

Family Systems Therapy can be invaluable in helping everyone learn healthy communication patterns and boundaries. At Restoration House Ministries, we involve families in the recovery process because addiction affects everyone in the family system. Family therapy helps address the ways addiction has impacted relationships and teaches new ways to offer support without enabling harmful behaviors.

Finding Professional Help in Tennessee

Tennessee offers various treatment options for co-occurring disorders. When searching for help in the Knoxville area and surrounding communities, consider these factors for finding the best treatment for your loved one:

Types of Treatment Available

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP): Allow individuals to receive structured treatment while living at home and maintaining work or school responsibilities. Our IOP program serves individuals throughout the greater Knoxville area and focuses on treating addiction and mental health disorders simultaneously.

Residential Treatment: Provides 24-hour care in a structured environment, ideal for those needing intensive support for severe substance use disorders.

Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): Combines FDA-approved medications like buprenorphine with counseling and behavioral therapies. Learn more about our MAT services. This evidence-based approach is particularly effective for opioid use disorders and alcohol addiction.

Individual and Group Therapy: Addresses specific mental health needs and provides peer support through various therapeutic approaches including cognitive behavioral therapy.

Teletherapy: Offers convenient access to care, especially beneficial for those in rural areas around Knoxville.

Questions to Ask Treatment Providers

When evaluating treatment options, ask these important questions to help find treatment that meets your loved one’s needs:

Do you specialize in co-occurring disorders? Integrated treatment is essential for dual diagnosis
What is your treatment philosophy? Some programs emphasize clinical approaches, while others integrate faith-based elements. Restoration House Ministries combines evidence-based clinical treatment with faith-based principles.
What credentials do your staff have? Look for licensed clinical professionals with experience in both addiction and mental health.
What does a typical day/week look like? Understanding the structure helps set expectations.
How do you involve families? Family participation often improves outcomes.
What insurance do you accept? Verify coverage before beginning treatment.
What happens after the initial program? Aftercare planning is crucial for long-term success.
Do you treat people with opioid use disorders? If applicable, ensure they have experience with medication-assisted treatment.

Insurance and Financial Considerations

Most major insurance plans in Tennessee cover addiction and mental health treatment. The Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act requires insurance companies to provide equal coverage for mental health and substance use disorders as they do for medical conditions.

If you’re uninsured or underinsured:

Ask about sliding scale fees or payment plans
Look into state-funded programs
Consider non-profit organizations that offer assistance
Explore grants and scholarships for treatment
Check SAMHSA’s treatment locator at findtreatment.gov for additional resources

Using SAMHSA Resources

SAMHSA provides valuable resources for finding treatment for substance use disorders and mental disorders. Their helpline (1-800-662-4357) offers 24/7 support and can help you find a treatment facility in your area. They also maintain a comprehensive database of treatment providers that accept various insurance plans and offer different types of care.

Supporting Someone in Treatment

Once your loved one enters treatment, your role shifts to providing ongoing support while respecting their recovery process and working with their healthcare provider.

What to Expect During Treatment

Initial Assessment: The treatment team will conduct comprehensive evaluations to understand your loved one’s specific needs and develop an individualized treatment plan that addresses both substance use and mental health conditions.

Stabilization: If detox is needed, medical supervision ensures safety during withdrawal. This is particularly important for alcohol or drugs like opioids, where withdrawal symptoms can be severe.

Active Treatment: This phase includes therapy, medication management, skill-building, and education about addiction and mental health. Treatment may include cognitive behavioral therapy, contingency management, and motivational interviewing techniques.

Continuing Care: Planning for ongoing support after the initial treatment program.

How Families Can Be Involved

Participate in family therapy sessions when invited
Attend educational workshops about addiction and mental health
Learn about the recovery process to better understand what your loved one is experiencing
Practice new communication skills learned in family sessions
Respect treatment boundaries and confidentiality requirements

Supporting Without Interfering

Remember that recovery is your loved one’s journey, not yours. While you can offer support, you cannot control their choices or outcomes. Focus on:

Being emotionally available when they need to talk
Celebrating small victories and milestones
Maintaining your own well-being
Trusting the treatment process and professional guidance

Understanding that treating addiction is a long-term process helps set realistic expectations. Different types of treatment work better for different people, and your loved one may need to try several approaches before finding what works best for them.

Long-term Recovery Support

Recovery from co-occurring disorders is an ongoing process that extends well beyond initial treatment. Your long-term support can make a significant difference in maintaining sobriety and mental wellness.

Aftercare Planning

Quality treatment programs develop comprehensive aftercare plans that may include:

Continued individual or group therapy
Medication management with a healthcare provider
Support group participation
Sober living arrangements
Vocational rehabilitation to address employment challenges
Regular check-ins with treatment providers

Community Resources in the Knoxville Area

Support Groups:

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
SMART Recovery meetings
Mental health support groups through NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Faith-based recovery groups

Mental Health Services:

Community mental health centers
Private practice therapists specializing in addiction and mental health
Psychiatric services for medication management

Preventing Relapse

Help your loved one identify and manage relapse triggers:

Environmental triggers: Places, people, or situations associated with substance use
Emotional triggers: Stress, depression, anxiety, or other difficult emotions
Social triggers: Peer pressure or social situations involving substance use
Physical triggers: Chronic pain, fatigue, or other physical discomfort

Support relapse prevention by:

Helping them maintain a structured routine
Encouraging healthy coping strategies
Supporting their participation in ongoing treatment
Being alert to warning signs of relapse
Having a plan in place if relapse occurs

Understanding that addiction often involves multiple attempts at recovery can help you maintain hope and continue providing support even if setbacks occur. Many people achieve lasting sobriety after experiencing relapse, especially when they have strong family support and access to appropriate treatment resources.

Ways to Prevent Future Substance Use

Encourage your loved one to:

Develop healthy hobbies and interests
Build a strong sober support network
Practice stress management techniques
Maintain regular contact with their treatment team
Attend support group meetings consistently
Avoid high-risk situations when possible

Taking Care of Yourself

Supporting someone with co-occurring disorders can be emotionally exhausting. Taking care of your own well-being isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for providing effective long-term support.

Self-Care Strategies

Physical Care:

Maintain regular exercise and healthy eating habits
Get adequate sleep
Attend regular medical check-ups
Limit alcohol and avoid substances yourself

Emotional Care:

Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or deep breathing
Engage in hobbies and activities you enjoy
Maintain social connections outside of the situation
Consider individual therapy to process your own emotions

Support Groups for Families

Al-Anon and Nar-Anon: Support groups specifically for families and friends of people with addiction.

NAMI Family Support Groups: For families dealing with mental health challenges.

Smart Recovery Family & Friends: Offers tools and support for loved ones of people with addictive behaviors.

When to Seek Your Own Help

Consider professional support if you experience:

Persistent anxiety, depression, or mood changes
Difficulty functioning in daily life
Relationship problems due to the stress
Thoughts of self-harm
Substance use as a coping mechanism
Feeling overwhelmed or hopeless

Remember that seeking help for yourself doesn’t mean you’re abandoning your loved one. In fact, taking care of your own mental health makes you better equipped to provide support when needed.

Getting Help Today

If your loved one is struggling with addiction and mental health issues in the Knoxville, Tennessee area, help is available. Don’t wait for the situation to worsen—early intervention often leads to better outcomes.

At Restoration House Ministries, we understand the complex challenges of co-occurring disorders. Our comprehensive treatment approach addresses both addiction and mental health issues simultaneously, providing the integrated care necessary for lasting recovery.

Our Services Include:

Take the First Step

Recovery begins with a single phone call. Our compassionate team is ready to help you and your loved one explore treatment options and begin the journey toward healing.

Call us today at (865) 352-1274 for a confidential consultation, or visit our contact page to learn more about our services.

You can also find us on Google to read reviews from families we’ve helped and get directions to our convenient Kodak and Newport locations.

Additional Resources

If you need immediate help:

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 for immediate mental health crisis support
SAMHSA Helpline: 1-800-662-4357 for treatment referrals and information
Emergency Services: Call 911 if someone is in immediate physical danger

For more information about substance use and mental health services, visit the SAMHSA website or speak with a healthcare provider about available treatment options in your area.

Remember: You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. With the right support, treatment, and commitment, recovery from co-occurring disorders is possible. Take the first step today.