Addiction is a very scary, very real thing – and it is something that more and more people are dealing with in their families, friendship groups, and workplaces. You could get in trouble or worse, face Federal Drug Possession charges. So before it’s too late, helping them is a very good choice.
Helping someone who is battling addiction really depends on that person and the kind of addiction, but there are some things that you can do to help them, even if you don’t have a degree or experience.
Here are some of the best ways to help someone who is battling addiction:
Get Them The Help They Need
People who are facing addiction problems are often in need of other kinds of help as well. To start, they may need help from a drug lawyer who will help them to tackle any legal problems that they are facing. This person will allow them to move on with their lives once they have everything straightened out – which is something that many addicts have trouble doing.
Of course, they may also need help from medical professionals. People who face addiction challenges often neglect their own health needs. They will skip out on doctor’s visits, avoid the doctor, stop going to the gynecologist, and even overlook symptoms. Make sure that they start taking care of all of their physical needs while treating their addiction. They may also need to see a psychologist who will help them to better understand their addictions and why they turned to drugs or alcohol.
Finally, someone with addiction may need financial help. Often those who are the most addicted to certain substances will need help to get back on their feet. They may have gone into debt when they purchased drugs or, more often, they don’t have enough money to get themselves out of relationships, living situations, or jobs that are bad for their mental health.
Talk With Them
When someone is battling addiction, there are so many people who simply talk at them instead of talking to them – they are made to sit and listen to people in police stations, doctor’s offices, therapists, courtrooms, and rehab centers. The best thing you can do is be an active part of a conversation with them – they want someone who can listen to them.
This doesn’t mean you have to tell them exactly what they want to hear – you can be honest.
Remember They Are Still A Person
Many people who face addiction have another problem that most of us cannot understand – they aren’t treated like they are actually human beings. Instead, they are treated like their illness is their only defining characteristic. What you have to remember is that this person is a worker, mother, father, sister, brother, daughter, son, citizen, and a human being who is worthy of your understanding and compassion. It can be really difficult, especially if that person is dealing with a relapse.
Offer To Be There If They Need You
Part of knowing that someone is a human being is knowing that they will need moral support. This doesn’t mean you should call every single day or smother them. Instead, it means reaching out via text message and telling someone, with truth and honesty in your voice, that you are there for them if they need you. If they do need you, be there. This isn’t just an offer. Answer the phone if they call you in the middle of the night. Go pick them up if they are standing outside of a bar. Be there.
Take Care Of Yourself First
You have to remember that you can only take care of someone if you first take care of yourself. This means that if you have struggled with addiction in the past, you need to set healthy boundaries for what you can do. It also means that you need to know that life ebbs and flows – if you cannot be there for someone, let them know. If you need a break from the constant drama, let them know. If you need to talk to a therapist about what happened, do so. You are only as strong as your own mental health, remember that.
Helping someone who has an addiction problem is never an easy feat. In fact, it can be really, really hard to do. However, you are not alone in doing this. You can seek help from professionals and people who are trained to deal with addiction, lawyers who help reduce drug charges so someone get their lives back together, and social workers who can help iron out details. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.