1. Confront the Addict About His Problem
When you ignore an addict's behavior, you are silently enabling his ability to continue it. Speak to the addict about his drug use and ask him to stop doing it when he is in your presence. Be consistent without constantly bothering him about it. Pestering usually has the opposite effect, but a clear and consistent message may help. In serious cases, you may need to stage a formal intervention. If so, speak to a drug or alcohol counselor who can lead you through the steps and help facilitate the intervention when the time comes.
2. Set Limits
Only the addict herself can choose to seek help. Understand that you cannot fix her on your own, and work to detach yourself emotionally from her problem. This will keep you from enabling her while demonstrating the cost of her addiction. Don't loan her money, don't make excuses for her behavior and don't shield her from the consequences of her actions. If the drug use continues, consider spending less time with her or even ending your relationship completely. Set terms with the addict and don't backslide. It may hurt, but it's necessary if you truly want to help her.
3. Don't Provide Temptations
It's very hard to help a drug addict if you are addicted yourself, or even if you only use drugs occasionally. If you want to help an addict, make the choice to get clean and then offer your support from a position of greater stability. If you are a casual drug user, don't ever use in the presence of your friend, and don't ask him to go places where drug use may occur. Help him say "no" in situations where he's struggling with taking a hit, and don't foster a permissive atmosphere around him. Drug addiction is very difficult to kick, even for those who want to. Help him with that process by providing an atmosphere free of temptation.
4. Offer Help With Treatment Options
The first step to kicking drug addiction is usually a detoxification program, followed by a stay in a treatment center. If you plan to confront the addict about her drug use, have such a center standing by. Make a reservation and handle all the paperwork so that the addict need only pack a bag and go. After detoxification, there may be a period of hospitalization, followed by lengthy periods of therapy and counseling. Offer to help the addict with these. Drive her to and from meetings, provide the phone numbers of support groups and attend group therapy if it is appropriate. Look into the possibility of medication and treatments such as methadone. Always look for trained medical professionals when considering a treatment program. If money is involved, don't give any to the addict himself. Handle it separately or offer support in non-financial ways.
5. Be Supportive During His Struggles
Drug abuse is a disease. Addiction can literally rewire the way the brain works, so overcoming the cravings is more than a matter of simple willpower. Look at the addiction the same way you would a serious illness and behave accordingly. Offer support and sympathy. Refrain from lecturing the addict or condescending to him. Don't blame him for past transgressions -- but adamantly refuse to tolerate any backsliding. Help him to be strong and stand on his own. In the end, only he can kick his drug addiction.
