What to say to your addicted friend
Drug addiction is not as simple as it sounds, it is a medically proven disease and it is life-threatening if taken for granted. Like other diseases, drug addiction has its symptoms such as emotional and social deficiencies, victims tend to put themselves in harm’s way when addicted to a substance. You don’t have to be physically incapacitated to be addicted. There are people with good jobs, nice families and beautiful homes who are struggling with addiction. Experts define addiction as a primary, chronic disease of brain reward, motivation, memory and related circuitry. The disease shows itself through biological, psychological, social and spiritual manifestations.
How do you recognize an addict?
- Personality changes under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- The usage of drugs has increased with time
- The person only goes out if alcohol or drugs are involved.
- Tends to forget your late-night conversations in the morning.
- Having trouble at school or work.
- Spends more time with friends who have similar interests in alcohol or other drugs
- Borrows money to get drugs or alcohol.
- Having home problems.
How to prepare yourself to talk to your friend about getting help
- The first step to this is to monitor a friend’s mood before you talk, try to plan for a time when he/she may be more receptive
- Don’t talk to them late in the day or evening when they are more likely to be intoxicated
- Be confident and direct
- Know the facts about the disease and the professional help that is available
- If possible, engage an expert to assist and have a plan in place
What to say
- Do not blame or criticize the person
- Try to remind he/she of the recent incidents that demonstrated loss of control
- Let your friend know how you feel about the situation and what you want them to do (get help)
- Let him/her know the effects of his/her actions on the people in which his her life
- Present the plan of action