The struggle of families who are supporting loved ones alone

Behind every person struggling with substance use is often a family trying to cope with the emotional, financial, and personal impact it has on their lives.

Parents lie awake at night worrying, partners carry the strain of uncertainty, siblings feel helpless, and children are often left confused and afraid.

This reality is reflected in the calls received by SADAG’s toll-free 24-hour Substance Use Helpline, in partnership with the Department of Social Development, which received over 200, 000 calls last year. The majority of these calls come from family members and loved ones seeking guidance, support, and information.

For Substance Use Awareness Day on June 26, under the theme of ‘Supporting the Supporters’, the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG) is shining a light on the loved ones who are struggling in silence.

While much of the focus is often on the person using drugs, alcohol, gambling, or pills, families and friends are also deeply affected. Many live with constant worry about their loved one’s safety, health, and future. Over time, the stress can affect their own mental health, relationships, work, and everyday lives.

SADAG recognises the important role families and loved ones play and reminds them that they also deserve support, understanding, and a safe place to turn to for their own help, support and Mental Health.

Support group leader for Family and Friends of People Who Use Substances, Raylene, shared, “Families are often the ones carrying the weight of a loved one’s substance use issue, yet their struggles are rarely seen or talked about. Many feel alone, overwhelmed, and unsure of where to turn for help. That’s why it is so important to create safe spaces where families can speak openly, share their experiences, and receive support without judgment. Support groups remind people that they are not alone, that their feelings matter, and that there is hope. When families are supported, they are better able to care for themselves and navigate the challenges they face.”

Every household is dealing with substance use in some way, shape, or form. Addiction is one of the most common challenges families face today.

“This doesn’t happen to other people down the road or in another community – this is our community, our families, and our loved ones. Over the years, we have seen addiction increase, and many people are also struggling with other challenges at the same time, such as alcohol and drugs, online gambling and cannabis, and often a combination of different struggles, including Mental Health, trauma and chronic illness. Because of the shame and stigma often linked to addiction, many people hesitate to ask for help. The impact is also felt by the whole family, with loved ones facing emotional stress, financial strain, broken trust, mismanaged finances, and in some cases, theft or dishonest behaviour linked to a person’s addiction,” shared Tebogo Ramadiro, SADAG’s substance use co-ordinator.

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SADAG will be hosting a live Ask The Expert session on Friday, June 26, 2026, at 1pm on Facebook @TheSADAG, focusing on the Hidden impact of Substance Use on families and loved ones.

The discussion will explore the emotional toll that addiction can have on parents, partners, siblings, children, and friends, as well as practical ways to cope and find support.

This Substance Use Awareness Day, SADAG is encouraging anyone who is supporting a loved one with a substance use problem to reach out for help. Whether you are a parent, partner, sibling, friend, or caregiver, your wellbeing matters too.

Reach out to the Ke Moja WhatsApp chat line on 087-163-2025 (available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm), or call SADAG’s toll-free 24-hour Substance Use helpline on 0800-12-13-14.

To explore more support group options that are available for recovering substance users, loved ones and families and youth – either face to face or online – visit our website at www.sadag.org.

You can also explore SADAG’s Substance Use toolkit, which offers practical resources, information, self-assessments, videos, and guidance for family members, friends, caregivers, educators, and communities.

“One of the most important messages we want families to know is that they do not have to go through this alone. There is help available for family members too, including counselling, support groups, information, and guidance. When families know where to get support, it can help them cope better and manage the challenges they face. By reaching out for help, families can get the support they need while also helping their loved one find care and treatment,” Ramadiro concluded.