Health & Wellness Wednesdays

One of the hardest things was learning that I was worth recovery.

Drug Addiction Help

Watching a friend struggle with a drug addiction can be overwhelming and heartbreaking. You want to help, but you’re not sure how to. Different scenarios of how to approach your friend’s drug addiction may run through your mind: what if you say the wrong thing? Is it the right time to say something? What if it ruins your friendship?

Talking about addiction sooner rather than later can make a difference in a friend’s treatment and recovery.

A drug addiction is complex. Its effects can linger over months or years, and trigger other problems down the road. Oftentimes, a person struggling with an addiction will distance themselves from family, friends and the activities that used to bring them pleasure. It’s also the time they most desperately need the support and guidance of those around them.

Don’t wait. Talk with your friend about their drug addiction and help them get their life back on track.

Helping a Friend with a Drug Addiction

There’s no exact formula for telling you how to talk to a friend who’s suffering from a drug addiction. However, other people in similar situations have shared their stories on how they got the conversation started.

Here are the top five things to keep in mind when talking to a friend about addiction:

Talk when they’re sober

Initiate a conversation when your friend is sober. If they’re under the influence of drugs during the discussion, they are less likely to be understanding of the matter.

Set a time where just the two of you can talk. Discuss your concerns, but understand the conversation is a two-way street. Give your friend time to voice their feelings and listen to what they have to say. Your goal is to bring awareness about their addiction, not accuse them of wrongdoing.

Give examples

Sometimes specific scenarios can provide a clear explanation for your concerns. For example, maybe you and your friend attended a party together where they took drugs. You may have been responsible for making sure your friend got home safely and saw firsthand the negative consequences of their drug use.

You may even be able to discuss how their behavior changes after using a certain drug. Be honest about what you enjoy when your friend is sober and how circumstances change after they use the drug.

Show love and support

Let your friend know you’re always there for them no matter what. Your unconditional love will express that you have their best interest at heart.

Realize, however, that your love and support doesn’t mean you should act as a doormat to anything your friend does or says. Set boundaries on not hanging out when they use drugs. Explain how your friend’s addiction makes you feel. If you ignore their drug use, they won’t see any reason to overcome it.

Keep words and actions consistent

When talking with your friend, it’s important to keep your message clear and consistent. For instance, don’t discuss how your friend’s drug addiction worries you, then watch them partake in that activity. In doing so, you’ll send a confusing message that can complicate matters.

Additionally, be sure to steer clear from making accusations and criticizing. Rather than jump to conclusions, show empathy in their situation. Saying “you messed up” will only make your friend feel defensive. Instead, try using phrases like “I’m worried about your health” or “I noticed some difficult situations you’ve been facing lately.”

Encourage treatment

Lecturing your friend on the negatives surrounding addiction will only increase their anxiety. Try, instead, talking about the benefits of treatment and living sober. Offer to help research treatment options and various community resources available.

Provide reassurance when they participate in counseling, support groups and other recovery services. Sometimes your friend may need a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen. Taking an interest in their long-term recovery and sobriety plan will encourage them to keep going when times get tough.

Finding Drug Addiction Resources

If your friend is ready to overcome their drug addiction, there are various treatment options available. As their friend, stand beside them during both the good and difficult times that treatment may bring. It can truly make all the difference in a person’s life.

Recovering from a drug addiction takes time and commitment, but can be successful with a comprehensive treatment plan.

Get started now by finding a treatment center near you.

Dealing with Addictions

If you could say one thing to encourage someone struggling with addiction, what would you say?