According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free America, helping a friend or loved one with a substance abuse issue can be a complicated and often frustrating process. It's important for people to seek help and support if they have concerns about someone in their life. It's also essential that the individual with the problem wishes to quit and change his habits. The Mayo Clinic notes that it is critical for loved-ones to do research and planning prior to having a conversation about substance abuse with the user.
Step 1
Seek support from a group such as Al-Anon, a local help-line or a counselor. The Mayo Clinic and the Partnership for a Drug-Free America note that most communities have resources that support friends and family members of addicts. If a boyfriend is using drugs on a regular basis--and it is a concern--it's important for his partner to learn more about how to cope with the issue and address it in the most productive way.
Step 2
Plan an appropriate time and place to talk about the concerns. The Mayo Clinic notes that partners and family members who are concerned about an individual's substance use should plan to have an honest conversation with the person about his habits and behaviors. This is a time to express concerns about the individual's health and well-being and offer ideas about local resources he can use to quit using.
Step 3
Reflect on the dating relationship and assess whether it is healthy for both partners. As experts at Planned Parenthood note, healthy relationships allow both partners to feel safe, secure and happy. If one partner is engaging in behavior that undermines the security or enjoyment of the relationship--such as abusing drugs--it may mean that the relationship is not functioning well. Planned Parenthood notes that relationships can often improve, but not without efforts from both partners.
Step 4
Set a timeline for helping a partner quit. The Partnership for a Drug-Free American says that friends and love-ones can help users or addicts by supporting their efforts to quit or cut back. At the same time, they note that people should be careful to not get overly involved in someone else's drug habit or recovery plan. A dating partner should set limits with a user, and make those limits clear. If the person is unwilling to set goals and work on a timeline, it is possible that the dating relationship should be ended.
