Helping Someone With Addiction

How to Help

Addiction is a treatable medical condition, not a moral failing. It can affect brain function and behavior, leading to compulsive drug or alcohol use despite harmful consequences. There are several ways to support someone who may be living with addiction, including:

Encourage them to seek help:

• Let the person know that you are there to support them and encourage them to seek professional help. They can consult a family physician or mental health provider who specializes in addiction treatment.

Offer emotional support:

• Be understanding and empathetic towards the person struggling with addiction. Let them know that you care about their well-being and are there to listen without judgment.

Educate yourself:

• Learn about addiction and its effects so that you can better understand what the person is going through. This knowledge will also help you provide accurate information and support.

Encourage treatment options:

• There are various treatment approaches available for addiction, such as therapy, medication, and support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (Nar-Anon) or Alcoholics Anonymous (Al-Anon). Encourage the person to explore these options and help in finding suitable resources or treatment programs.

Set boundaries:

• It is important to establish healthy boundaries when helping someone with addiction. This means being clear about what behaviors you will not tolerate and sticking to those boundaries. This can help protect your own well-being while still providing support.

Seek support for yourself:

• Supporting someone with addiction can be challenging, so it's crucial to take care of your own well-being too. Consider joining support groups for friends and family members of individuals with addiction, such as Al-Anon or Nar-Anon.

If you or someone you know needs immediate help or further support, there are organizations available:

• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): Call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 800-662-HELP (4357) or TTY 800-487-4889 for confidential treatment referral and information about mental health and substance use services.
• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in crisis, experiencing thoughts of suicide, or needs urgent emotional support, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Remember, helping someone with addiction requires patience, understanding, and professional guidance. Recovery can take time, and ongoing encouragement and support may play an important role alongside professional treatment. It's important to encourage them to seek appropriate treatment from healthcare professionals who specialize in addiction recovery.