How to Help Someone Suffering From Drug Addiction

Seeing a loved one suffer from drug addiction is a very heartbreaking scene. At times, it may seem like anything you do is not enough, and you blame yourself. Even after putting a lot of effort and time into helping an addict, his childish attitude may convince you to leave him on his own.

Sweeping the issue under the rug may prove to be more damaging for you and the addict as the guilt of not being able to help him in his time of need may eat you alive.

With so many teenagers and adults getting addicted to several drugs and alcohol, it is imperative to know how to support your loved ones. Remember, with your love and support; they have more chances of overcoming their addiction.

Each addiction is unique, but there are some general set of guidelines you can follow to help someone suffering from drug addiction.

Understand the Addiction

Mostly there is a reason people start using drugs. Instead of focusing on the frequency of their usage, try to figure out what triggers them to turn to drugs. Every one of us has tried drugs once in his lifetime, but not all of us become addicts. Addiction is usually caused by two factors: Environmental and Genetics.

Environmental factors include peer pressure, early use, or taking a highly addictive drug. You need to keep a keen eye on your loved ones in order to prevent the issue even before it becomes one.

Family history of drug abuse, lack of family involvement and mental health disorders are the genetic factors of drug abuse. Suffering from depression, anxiety, or PTSD may cause people to take drugs in a very chaotic manner.

Establish Trust

Establishing trust both ways is a very vital step, and this will help the addicted person to listen to you. Instead of always nagging, criticizing and using emotion appeals, spread positive vibes. If they feel uncomfortable around you, they will want the drugs even more.

An addicted person will always think that you are trying to control them. You need to approach them with a strategy where you don’t come off too strong. Overcoming an addiction is a whole process, and it can’t be done in a day.

Offer Your Support

A person who is addicted feels alone. You need to show them that you are there for them. You need to spend as much time with them as you can so that they don’t use the drugs as a pass time. Take them to their favorite restaurant or on vacation. Show them that there is more to life than just drugs.

Encourage them to go to Drug Rehab

Even if you give your 100%, there will come a time when they are on the verge of mental and physical breakdown. Drug abuse issue is growing in most countries except Canada. It is due to their world-class Rehab Centers.

These rehab centers, like Drug Rehab Toronto, treat patients like a family and provide them with a healthy environment where they don’t feel the need to use drugs.

However, it is your duty as family or as a friend to encourage them to join these drug rehab centers and come out a healthy, drug-free person.