What to say to your addicted friend

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?

1. Personality changes under the influence of drugs or alcohol
2. The usage of drugs has increased with time
3. The person only goes out if alcohol or drugs are involved.
4. Tends to forget your late-night conversations in the morning.
5. Having trouble at school or work.
6. Spends more time with friends who have similar interests in alcohol or other drugs
7. Borrows money to get drugs or alcohol.
8. 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