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This situation is always uncomfortable. You never know what to do when one of your friends or a loved one shows signs that he might be an addict – be it alcohol or drugs.
First of all, you need to understand that drug abuse is a deliberate decision to use alcohol or an illegal drug, or a prescription drug – but not in a safe or prescribed manner. This can lead to addiction. And addiction means that a certain person loses control over the number of drugs they’re using and they can’t stop – they don’t know when or how. The drugs interfere with the normal function of the brain and they can also have a massive, negative impact in the long-term on the brain.
Also, you need to keep in mind that addiction can be psychological or physical – sometimes both.
Physical addiction
The body can eventually become dependent on the drug to function. The body though will ask for more and more to get the same effect. When that person decides to stop using the certain drug, that’s when the withdrawal symptoms appear. This is why it is so difficult for the person to stop. It’s not like taking off your clothes, it is like taking out what feels like a vital organ (Though it isn’t).
Psychological addiction
Here we’re talking about the mind of the person that needs the feeling that the certain drug gives. At the moment the person stops using the drug, the mind will start feeling emotionally awful. The person will become overwhelmed by the need for the drug.
Addiction can be both a mental and physical problem and this makes it particularly dangerous for the person that is trapped in it.
It’s very hard for that person, as those around him will get hurt – including family and friends, even coworkers. This is where you can you can help – you’re in a position where you may be able to help your friend.
First of all, you want to make him understand that he’s loved and cared for and that he has to change something – he needs to go to rehab and get the treatment that he needs. ARC Project is one of the best rehab centers you can get in the UK but be sure and look around in your local area for something similar if you are in the US or Canada.
Many people who are in rehab said it helped a lot that one of their friends or a loved one told them the honest truth about their situation and how bad it had gotten.
You need to make decisions regarding your friend or loved one fast.
At first, you might have some issues and you might find it difficult to talk to him. You might think that it’s not your job to get involved in his business and you might start feeling guilty. In this case, you should keep in mind that addiction – be it to alcohol or other drugs – is a leading cause of death. You could be literally determining if they live or die.
You might also be waiting for someone else to say something. You don’t have to wait until someone else steps up – you can do this. Other people might just be waiting for you as well. So don’t play the waiting game, every day that goes by your friend is going further and further down the hole. The sooner you try and stop it the better.
That person might have treated you badly due to his behavioral transformation because of the drug addiction. You might feel hurt, but this is another reason to help him – especially if you know the way or friend was before that they would never do that if they weren’t under the influence of some substance.
It’s a good idea to know the amount of alcohol or drugs the person is taking. See how bad the addiction is – mild or severe? Then you should take some moments to reflect on how is this whole situation affecting him and those around you. This person needs help, and you can help get the help he deserves.
What are some of the symptoms?
If your friend is addicted to drugs, you may see the following changes in his behavior:
The drugs may start to become his friends, his solutions, and not one of his problems, he may take big amounts in one shot and stay high for longer periods. He may lose all touch with reality and start thinking only about drugs. He may steal or sell valuable things to buy them. He may also lose interest in work and family and make new friends – people who also use drugs. He may have mood swings and perhaps find it difficult to communicate with others.
All of the above are major red flags and should be treated seriously. If at all possible don’t let your friend or loved one do any of the above before intervening.
How should I talk to him?
There’s no point in talking to him when your friend or loved one is high or drunk. When you decide to meet that person, find a neutral place – a bar where there’s alcohol might not be the best place. Tell him the truth – how this situation changed him and his relationships with his loved ones. And always let him know that you’re there for him.
What to do if they don’t listen?
If you have to stage a full intervention, follow the linked resource by finding professional help and following what they say to the letter. Your friends’ life could be at stake, leave nothing to chance.
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Editor’s note: This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose or treat any illness. If you have any health concern, see a licensed healthcare professional in person.
This content is sponsored by Jamshed Chaudhary.
Photo by Jon Asato on Unsplash