6 TIPS FOR HELPING A FRIEND WITH ADDICTION

Have a friend who is an addict? You may feel lost and hopeless about the situation. It isn't just the health worries, but the financial problems and the potential legal issues that may arise from your friend’s addiction.

If you're wondering what to do in this situation or how you could possibly help your friend, here are six helpful tips.

1) Learn about addiction

Addiction is a disease and you need to research it as much as possible so that you can educate yourself. Seek advice from organisations that deal with your friend's particular addiction. Read up about it via the internet and books. Look up various types of addiction treatment available so that you understand them and know the options available.

2) Get help

When someone you know is suffering from addiction then it can really take its toll on you. If you need help with coping, then don't feel that you have failed or that you're weak. Many people in your position feel the same. The best thing you can do is seek out help from national or local groups. You may want to talk to a counsellor as well so that you can get one-to-one help. 

3) Do not play the blame game

Your friend is not an addict through choice, they are sick. They are out of control of their actions. As such, do not blame them for how they are. Do not blame yourself either.

 4) Talk to your friend

Talk to them calmly and let them see you care. Explain to them that you feel they have a problem with addiction and tell them why you believe this. Listen to what they have to say. Gently recommend that they seek help but don't try to force it, as this will likely provoke a negative reaction. 

Remember, you cannot force them to get addiction treatment no matter how bad things get - they have to decide for themselves.

5) Don't enable them

When an addict becomes truly gripped by their disease, it can be very difficult. Make sure you don't inadvertently help their addiction. If they get themselves into trouble because of their addiction, don't rescue them - make them be accountable for their own actions. If they used up their money on their addiction, don't lend them any or buy them groceries. Make them realise how the addiction is affecting their life.

6) Don't expect miracle cures

Your friend is suffering from an illness and only they can decide they want to take the medicine for it. You can gently encourage them to get help but if they don’t, don’t take it personally.

Do not expect an addict to keep their promises as they are unable to do so. The addiction is controlling them, not the other way round. For example, if they promise never to touch a substance again and then they do, it is not their fault or yours. 

If your friend does decide they are ready to get treatment or if you feel you need advice, then we are always ready to help. Please feel free to get in touch.