Throughout the United States, the use of illicit drugs continues to be a serious problem affecting millions of people. For example, in 2006 there were at least 2.4 million users of crack cocaine alone in the United States, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. According to the same source, other drugs such as methamphetamine (1.3 million users in 2007) and the illicit use of prescription medications (6.9 million user in 2007) are also remaining causes for concern. For many of those that become addicted to these substances, they will be unable to break the habit alone.
Step 1
Educate yourself. Before you can help a friend or family member who is a suspected drug abuser, educate yourself on the types and effects of the most commonly used illicit drugs. Understanding what your loved one is going through will help you approach the situation both with knowledge and understanding. This will also help you realize the full effects that addiction can have on a person.
Step 2
Approach the situation in love. Like any sensitive issue, approaching someone who is addicted to drugs in love, rather than anger or other emotions, will most likely encourage better reception to your help. Intervening in the addiction of another person for the wrong reason may not only backfire, but it may also trigger the person to cope with the confrontation with using more drugs once the discussion is over.
Step 3
Provide options. When confronting a drug abuser, always have valid options to help the person get professional help. Saying that you are there for the person if he needs help is great, but if you have researched treatment options for immediate placement will provide a smooth transition from verbal intervention to the ultimate goal of treatment.
Step 4
Refuse to enable. The University of Pennsylvania Health System and the American Society of Addiction Medicine both define enabling as any action that intentionally, or unintentionally, facilitates or encourages the continued use of an addictive substance. Enabling can include anything from giving the addict a ride to get drugs or providing money so that addict can buy drugs (regardless of whether the money was stated to be used for that purpose or not). Counseling and support groups are available to help you break your enabling habits. For more information, contact your local units of organizations such as Families Anonymous or Nar-Anon (see links in Resources).
Step 5
Offer support through the entire process. One of the most important factors of helping a drug abuser enter treatment is supporting the addict through the entire process. It is one thing to get the addict into treatment; it is another to send letters, phone calls or even visit the treatment center (where and when allowed). Those who are addicted to drugs need your continued support to make it through the many walls and challenges that will face them on their way to sobriety.
Tips and Warnings
- Although televisions shows have made interventions a popular option, an intervention should not be attempted without help from a certified alcohol and drug counselor or mental health professional. Call your local treatment center for more advice and options about approaching your drug-addicted friend or family member.
Things You'll Need
- List of treatment facilities in your area
