Are You worried about someone close to you?
Seeing a partner, friend, colleague, or family member struggle with alcohol, drugs, or another addiction can be both painful and confusing, and the situation often affects you too. When you try to protect, cover for, or control someone else’s behavior, it can cause your own suffering — commonly known as codependency. This may involve putting your own needs aside, feeling guilt or anxiety in everyday life, and trying to take responsibility for things you cannot truly control.
You are not alone
Problems with addiction affect not only the person using alcohol or drugs — they impact the whole family and those around them. Having the courage to speak up about your concerns is an important first step, both for the person with the addiction and for you as a loved one.
Remember that you are not alone and that help is available. Living with someone who has an addiction can be a major strain, so it’s important that you look after yourself and seek support.
What you can do
- Seek support for yourself—talking to healthcare services or a support organisation can give you strength and practical tools.
- Speak up with care—show care rather than criticism, even when it feels hard.
- Set boundaries—it’s not your responsibility to fix someone else’s addiction.
- Take care of yourself—your health and safety are just as important as theirs.
No one should have to carry the burden alone—seeking help can be the beginning of change, both for you and the person you care about.
“I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to use Previct; it makes things easier for the whole family. There are no arguments; we know that he has someone checking on him. He simply cannot sneak away or lie, and he can prove that he is sober, which puts the family at ease. Daughter: When Dad started using Previct, I could start asking if I could spend time with a friend, or if a friend could stay the night. Before, I always asked Mom about those things. The biggest difference is that Dad is more involved in the family than before—he was part of the family, but he was also more on the outside. “
When someone you love is struggling with alcohol dependence
Standing by someone with alcohol dependence can be both painful and exhausting. Many loved ones describe constant worry, feelings of powerlessness and a continual need to keep tabs. It’s easy to fall into codependency, where life starts to revolve around the person’s drinking.
Previct Care also supports loved ones
As a loved one, you can use Previct Care too. Together with a contact person — for example at social services — you can set up the support you need and download the Previct App to your mobile phone. Using the app, you can receive support and motivation yourself, while the caregiver monitors your well-being remotely.
Previct Care gives the person with alcohol dependence a tool that creates structure, a sense of security and opportunities for change — and it also provides relief for you as a loved one. When treatment becomes more transparent and caregivers can provide continuous follow-up, you don’t have to carry the same responsibility and worry on your own.
Additional benefits of Previct Care
1. Notifications that provide insight and reassurance
Loved ones can receive notifications about recovery progress to stay informed about how the person they’re supporting is doing.
2. Structure that strengthens responsibility and reduces worry
The Previct App’s structure and reminders give the person with an addiction more responsibility for their own recovery, which can help reduce conflicts and everyday worry.
3. Early signals for faster support
Loved ones can feel reassured knowing caregivers monitor progress and that earlier help and support can be provided when relapse risk increases.
4. Security that frees up energy for relationships
Reduced uncertainty lets you focus on being a partner, parent, friend or colleague — rather than constantly monitoring.
Being close to someone with an addiction is a journey in itself. Previct Care can’t remove all worry, but it can make a real difference — for both the person struggling and for you as a loved one.