How to Help Someone With Drug & Alcohol Abuse

How to Help Someone With Drug & Alcohol abuse ? Help your friend or family


After noticing unexplainable behavior changes, mood swings and other signs of drug or alcohol addiction, you may be able to help someone with drug and alcohol abuse problems. There are resources available to assist you. While you may fear what will happen when you broach the subject with the person, counselors at the Partnership for a Drug-Free America report that the addict or alcoholic may respond very positively and accept your help.



Step 1

Talk to your friend or family member about his using and how it is affecting you and your family. Let him know that you can see how the substance abuse is affecting his own life.



Step 2

Encourage the substance abuser to seek treatment. Offer to help by providing transportation or childcare. Offer to attend counseling with the person. If necessary, recommend counselors at the Partnership for a Drug-free America.



Step 3

Arrange for an intervention with a trained specialist if you need assistance confronting the addict. Counselors at the National Alcohol Substance Abuse Information Center (NASAIC) report that a certified interventionist can guide all the participants through the process and successfully lead the addict or alcoholic into recovery. Find a trained interventionist who specializes in the particular substance which your friend or family member is abusing. Referrals are available through the NASAIC.



Step 4

Find a treatment center that can help your friend or family member. Treatment centers offer specialized programs for populations such as women or teens. Those with additional mental issues such as depression or bipolar disorder can benefit from programs that also treat mental illnesses. Use the treatment locator at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to help you find the appropriate care.
Tips and Warnings

Find a place where you can go to take care of your own needs and talk with other people who care about an alcoholic or drug addict. Support groups such as Al-Anon can provide you with tips and advice on what to expect and how to maintain boundaries when the person comes out of treatment or relapses.
Relapse is an integral part of the disease of addiction. Researchers at the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism report that alcoholism and drug addiction are chronic diseases such as diabetes or high blood pressure. Some people maintain their recovery following treatment, while others go for long periods without a relapse and others cannot remain sober for any length of time.