Talking Honestly About Alcohol and Drugs

Care Without Shame

Support for you or a loved one when substance use is a concern

Alcohol and drug use touch many families, sometimes quietly and sometimes in very visible ways. Stress, trauma, work culture, and social traditions can all influence drinking or drug use. Because of shame or fear, people often hide their struggles, even from their doctors.

Your health care team is there to help, not judge. Substance use is a health issue that can affect your heart, liver, brain, relationships, and safety. Honest conversations with your provider can open the door to treatment, support, and a better quality of life.

Tips for starting honest conversations

● Tell your doctor how much and how often you drink or use substances, as accurately as you can.

● Ask how alcohol or drugs might affect your medications or conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure.

● Bring someone you trust for support if you are nervous about talking.

● Ask about treatment options that respect your language, culture, and schedule.

● Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

When to call your doctor or seek urgent help

● You find it difficult to cut back, and substance use is affecting work, relationships, or safety. ● You experience withdrawal symptoms like shaking, sweating, or hallucinations when you try to stop.

● You suspect an overdose (not waking up, slow or irregular breathing, blue lips)—call 911 immediately.

● You are having thoughts of self‑harm.