I was a teen addict. Here are 4 things my family got wrong

By Caroline Beidler, Op-ed contributor Friday, July 31, 2026

“If my loved one would just stop drinking or using drugs, then our family could breathe again.”

“Their addiction is ruining our life.”

Does this sound familiar?

Addiction doesn’t just impact one person. It ripples through the whole home, even shakes generations. It can change the way you talk at dinner. The way you sleep (or not). The way you celebrate holidays. The way you brace your heart every time your phone rings.

When I was struggling with drug addiction as a teen, my family had no idea what to do. They felt like I was doing this to them. That something was wrong with our family and me. It caused immense shame, and my parents did not reach out for help, though they tried to get me the help I needed by connecting me with treatment and counseling.

Thankfully, we know today that there are evidence-based ways that families can support loved ones struggling with addiction and, importantly, what kind of support exists for the family as a whole. It’s part of why I advocate as an addiction expert and write books to help support families. Addiction is treatable, and it is a common condition. 

Today, millions of families around the world are affected by addiction. Millions are also impacted by recovery. Yet, despite the prevalence and these insights we have today, too many struggle with knowing how to help and support their loved ones.

What loved ones often get wrong about addiction

Here are four of the main things that family members get wrong about addiction, followed by ways to help our loved ones from research and biblically based information.

1. “Once they quit, they’ll be cured”

When I went to inpatient treatment as a teen, my parents thought when I came home, I’d be cured. One and done. The truth is that 40-60% of people in early recovery have a recurrence of use or relapse. The research shows that it can take time to get sober and stay that way. 

Recovery usually includes sobriety, but it also takes time to learn new coping skills, address trauma, and rebuild trust. Our loved ones may need different addiction treatment approaches and an array of services after formal treatment. 

2. “We can’t talk about it, it’s too embarrassing”

I remember my mother telling me she didn’t want to tell anyone in our family about my addiction because she was ashamed. She didn’t know how people would react. She thought silence would protect us.

But silence is isolating and can cause even more harm to families.

When families share with trusted people (including those at church), they often discover what most of us eventually learn: almost everyone knows someone impacted by addiction. The stigma feels unique, but the pain is common.

What’s true: Safe, honest conversation breaks shame’s power. As Scripture shares: “Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective” (James 5:16). When we live in the light and families share their struggles, healing can happen.

3. “If we just control it harder, we can stop it”

When addiction threatens your home, control feels like love. Checking phones. Tracking locations. Interrogating stories. Managing money. Covering consequences.

Sometimes those actions come from real fear, and sometimes they increase secrecy and isolation.

What’s true: You can’t control someone into healing. But you can create conditions where healing is more likely: safety, truth, boundaries, support. We can hope, pray, and take positive actions. We can also trust that “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Ps. 34:18).

4. “If we support them, we’re enabling”

This is where many families panic. This is also where I think that much harm has been done to cause greater shame for families.

You’ve heard it for decades: “Don’t help them; they need to hit rock bottom.” That advice is archaic, and I would add harmful. It’s often handed out like some universal rule, and families end up paralyzed by fear. It can also lead families to want to isolate more because they are worried that they are doing — or not doing — the wrong things.

What’s true: You can love someone without funding their addiction. You can offer compassion without removing every consequence. You can create support without surrendering your peace. No one needs to hit rock bottom before they are worthy of the grace that God gives freely. “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

What really helps

For many people, substances started as a solution, a coping strategy for pain, trauma, anxiety, loneliness, or untreated mental health struggles.

When you lead with curiosity, you don’t “approve” of addiction. You open a door to honesty, and this is where recovery begins. We can ask open-ended questions, provide for basic needs, and have options for support ready when they are.

Yes, addiction recovery is a family affair. It is through the family that God heals people. He sets the lonely in families and leads those imprisoned by addiction into freedom through fellowship (Ps. 68:6). Love is strongest when it’s honest, wise, and supported.

If you’re walking on eggshells, second-guessing every word, terrified of relapse, or drowning while trying to save someone else — hear me: You are not alone. Healing is possible. And there are simple steps you can take next right now.

If you love someone struggling with addiction:

• Choose one safe person and tell the truth this week.
• Write down one boundary you can keep with love.
• And take one step toward support for you.

If you’re ready for a clear, faith-grounded path forward, read Caroline’s new book, apply the guidance, and start the journey to recovery together.