December 12, 2025


When U.S. News & World Report set out to help readers support a loved one through addiction, they turned to Eleanor Health’s National Medical Director, Dr. Sherma Morton, for the clinical perspective. Her guidance centers on treating support as a skill, not just an instinct: lead with empathy instead of judgment, encourage help without forcing it, and show up consistently rather than waiting for a single big moment.

“Recognize addiction as a health issue, not a character flaw.”
— Dr. Sherma Morton, National Medical Director, Eleanor Health

She also named something caregivers often skip: setting their own boundaries and getting support for themselves, since caring for someone in recovery takes a real toll of its own. It’s a grounded reminder that recovery isn’t a solo project, and a good example of why national outlets come back to Eleanor Health’s clinical team when the subject is substance use disorder.

“Supporting someone through recovery can be emotionally challenging. Remember to set boundaries, seek support and prioritize your well-being as well.”

— Dr. Sherma Morton, National Medical Director, Eleanor Health

Her framework breaks into four parts. Start by leading with empathy: naming the behavior change you’ve noticed without attaching judgment to it. Encourage treatment without forcing it, since willpower alone rarely closes the gap for someone facing a serious substance use disorder. Show up consistently, through regular check ins and shared activities rather than one big intervention. And don’t forget the person doing the supporting: caregiving for someone in recovery takes a real toll, and Dr. Morton is direct that boundaries and self care aren’t optional extras.

It’s a useful roadmap on its own. It’s also a good example of why national outlets keep coming back to Eleanor Health’s clinical team when the subject is substance use disorder: our providers are trained to hold both the clinical reality of addiction and the emotional reality of the people around it, and that combination is what U.S. News wanted for its readers.

Read the full piece on U.S. News →

About Eleanor Health

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Eleanor Health delivers comprehensive, evidence-based care for individuals affected by substance use disorder, alcohol use disorder, and mental health conditions. With a whole-person, trauma-informed approach, Eleanor Health is committed to improving the lives of its members, their families, and their communities.