Therapists who treat substance abuse disorders call addiction a family disease because everyone becomes sick. Some experience this physically with illnesses such as overeating, headaches or irritable bowel syndrome. Often family members experience psychological problems like panic attacks, depression, avoidance and even trauma reactions. Supportive therapy is extremely helpful for family members and friends. Learning coping skills really makes a difference in motivating the addict to get help. More importantly, family members and friends can learn to deal with their own feelings about their loved one’s addiction.