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Last updated: March 16, 2026

What is this?

An assessment that measures how a family member's substance use is affecting family members' wellbeing, relationships, and daily functioning.

Who needs it?

Family members living with a loved one's addiction who want to understand and validate the impact on their own lives.

Bottom line

Addiction affects the whole family — your wellbeing matters too, and support is available for you. This tool is for informational purposes only. Not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.

What Is the Family Impact Assessment?

How Does the Family Impact Assessment Work?

What Do My Family Impact Results Mean?

Family Impact Assessment

For family members and loved ones concerned about someone's substance use. This assessment helps you reflect on how their use is affecting your life.

18 questions · ~5 minutes · Completely private

0 of 18 answered0%
1

I have noticed my loved one becoming more secretive about where they go, who they are with, or how they spend money.

👁 Behavior Changes
2

My loved one's mood has become unpredictable — they may go from calm to angry, energetic to withdrawn, without clear reason.

👁 Behavior Changes
3

My loved one has stopped keeping up with responsibilities they used to handle (work, household tasks, personal hygiene).

👁 Behavior Changes
4

Money has gone missing, or there are unexplained expenses, debts, or financial problems connected to my loved one's behavior.

💰 Financial Impact
5

I have had to cover bills, lend money, or take on extra financial responsibility because of my loved one's substance use.

💰 Financial Impact
6

I find it hard to trust what my loved one tells me because I have caught them in lies or half-truths.

💔 Relationship Impact
7

Arguments about substance use (or its consequences) have become a regular part of our relationship.

💔 Relationship Impact
8

I feel emotionally distant from my loved one — like I am living with a stranger.

💔 Relationship Impact
9

Children or other dependents in the household have been exposed to arguments, erratic behavior, or an unstable home environment.

🧒 Impact on Children
10

Daily routines for children or dependents (meals, bedtimes, school activities) have been disrupted by my loved one's behavior.

🧒 Impact on Children
11

I spend a significant amount of time worrying about my loved one — their safety, their health, or what they might do next.

😔 Emotional Toll on You
12

I feel guilty, wondering if I caused this or if I should be doing more to help.

😔 Emotional Toll on You
13

I feel anger or resentment toward my loved one that I have trouble letting go of.

😔 Emotional Toll on You
14

I have felt physically unsafe or afraid in my own home because of my loved one's behavior while using substances.

⚠️ Safety Concerns
15

My loved one has become verbally aggressive, threatening, or physically intimidating when using or when confronted about their use.

⚠️ Safety Concerns
16

I have made excuses to others (employer, family, friends) to cover for my loved one's behavior or absences.

🔄 Enabling Behaviors
17

I have given my loved one money, a place to stay, or other support even when I suspected it would be used to continue their substance use.

🔄 Enabling Behaviors
18

I avoid bringing up my loved one's substance use because I fear their reaction or want to keep the peace.

🔄 Enabling Behaviors

Please answer all 18 questions to continue

Clinical Disclaimer

This tool is for educational and self-reflection purposes only. It is not a clinical assessment, and it does not screen, assess, or evaluate your loved one. Results do not constitute medical advice, a professional evaluation, or a recommendation for any specific course of action. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional, licensed counselor, or addiction specialist for guidance about substance use concerns. Reviewed by a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor (CADC-II).

Crisis & Support Resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 · 24/7

SAMHSA National Helpline

1-800-662-4357 · 24/7

Al-Anon Family Groups

1-888-425-2666 · al-anon.org

Nar-Anon Family Groups

1-800-477-6291 · nar-anon.org

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