From the outside looking in, it is pretty easy for you to see. It is because you are around your friend more than everyone else—at parties, outings, shopping, or just relaxing at home; and you have noticed that your friend has a drug problem. Maybe he or she was once a truly happy person with a positive outlook on life and had an overall upbeat attitude that has now turned sour. Or you might have always known that your friend was the type of person who could easily fall into the trap of dependence on drug or alcohol use. No matter the scenario, you have recently come to terms with the extent to which he or she is struggling with addiction, and it is weighing on you.
While experiencing the turmoil of knowing you are a close friend who needs to step in and help your friend get the help he needs, you may have asked yourself, What can I do to help? Should I tell anyone? How do I break it to his parents?
Your Role
Before we explore options about who you should turn to, there is a positive thought to establish in your mind. You are reading this article because you have taken the time to do some research, so please know: You are not blowing the situation out of proportion by seeking information and by staying informed. Just the fact that you are taking the time to read about options for your friend who keeps turning to drugs, makes you a good friend. However, this is just the first step to a necessary, three-step process outlined below:
1. Recognize that drug addiction is a real problem that affects real people
2. You are responsible to help
3. Contact a professional, and parent (if available)
Your Friend, Your Responsibility
It might sound harsh, but here is the truth: you know—at least a little—about what your friend is going through. The struggle he or she is facing is not in your imagination, and the friend needs help. Most people who struggle with addiction to alcohol and/or drugs do not seek treatment on their own. Unfortunately, they are often in too deep and cannot see a way out of the dark tunnel of dependence on drugs. Fortunately, they have you.
Who Can I Trust?
Step two: The worst thing to do next would be to keep your insight a secret. You should definitely tell someone who can be trusted and who you know will be able to help. If you have met the person’s parent(s), discretion must be used as to whether or not you go directly to them about the problem. Many parents care deeply about their child, but some might be caught off-guard at hearing such serious news. Others could be in denial, or even react defensively about the problem at hand.
If you know that your friend has loving and supportive parents, then going to them immediately and sharing your thoughts honestly is definitely an option. Otherwise, you might decide to wait a day or two until after you have done your research and talked to a professional.
How Experts Can Help
Even if you decide to share this intimate information with the person’s parents, you should talk to someone who is familiar with offering treatment to those addicted to a drug. Your friend might not have a consistent and positive environment at home, or maybe you do not feel comfortable going directly to his or her parents. Having someone knowledgeable, stable, and trustworthy to give advice during the process of seeking help is essential.
Get Help While Giving Help
Have you ever heard the saying, “It’s the thought that counts”? Well, those words are not true in all situations. In the case of recovery from addiction, it is the action—your action—that counts. If you know someone who is experiencing hardships due to addiction, then time is of the essence. The earlier you contact a trusted professional, the earlier that your friend or family member can receive treatment. An expert is available to assist you immediately in giving you more information about getting your friend help, so contact us today at DrugRehab.org and get your friend the best help available.
