Although drug abusers often attempt to hide their problem, friends can spot the warning signs. Unexplained weight gain or loss or a deteriorating physical appearance are some physical warning signs, while psychological warning signs include an unexplained change in personality or sudden and severe mood swings, explains the mental health website HelpGuide.org. Changes in behavior, such as frequently getting into trouble or a sudden poor performance in work or school may also occur. If your friend is displaying these warning signs of drug abuse or you have other reasons to be concerned, there are ways you can help.
Step 1
Initiate a conversation about the drug abuse or addiction. Ideally, this conversation should take place when your friend is sober and in a good mood. There should also be enough time to discuss the issue without feeling rushed or at risk of interruptions. Be specific in your concerns about his drug problem, but explain these concerns without judgment or anger, suggests the Partnership for a Drug-free America. Also, express your desire and willingness to help him get treatment for this problem.
Step 2
Listen to her response without becoming judgmental or defensive. Many drug users will make excuses for themselves or try to deflect blame on others. If this happens, hear your friend out and try to see things from her perspective. You don't have to agree with her, but you should hear her out and remain open-minded, calm and non-judgmental. Validating her concerns and not dismissing her feelings will help her realize that you are on her side and are only there to help her.
Step 3
Stop enabling the behavior. Although it may be easy to make excuses for your friend, doing so only makes situation worse and delays full recovery. Let your friend know that there are consequences if she does not follow through with her treatment plan, and be prepared to carry out those consequences if necessary. For example, tell your friend you will only hang out with her when she is sober, and follow through with this by canceling plans and refusing to associate with her when she is not.
Step 4
Assist in making a plan to begin the treatment and recovery process. Although an addiction counselor or mental health professional can take over once treatment starts, help your friend set and accomplish the initial goals of treatment. This may involve finding a substance abuse center, calling an addictions counselor, figuring out the logistics of payment and insurance or simply getting your friend to admit he has a problem. Continue doing this until your friend is actively involved in a professional treatment program.
Step 5
Continue providing support. Although it may not seem like much, making yourself available to talk and provide support during this difficult time can help your friend tremendously.
Tips and Warnings
- The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information (NCADI) provides free pamphlets, fact sheets and information about drug abuse addiction. They also can provide referrals to trained substance abuse counselors and treatment centers. Contact them by phone at 1-800-788-2800 or visit their website at http://ncadi.samhsa.gov.
- While it is important support your friend during this difficult time, you also need to make sure the addiction does not create a dangerous situation for yourself, warns HelpGuide.org. If the situation is putting you in harm's way, you may need to remove yourself from the situation.
