How To Help A Friend With Addiction Recovery

My friend is addicted to drugs, so what can I do to help them? If you’re in this situation, then you know that helping a friend with a substance use disorder isn’t easy. From initiating the conversation about going to rehab to coping with the emotional rollercoaster of a friendship impacted by drug or alcohol abuse, aiding a close friend with something as major as recovering from addiction can be challenging, to say the least. Here are some tips on how to help a friend with addiction recovery that could help you begin the process of getting them help.

Tips For Helping a Friend Quit Drugs or Alcohol

Substance use disorders of any kind can have a severe impact on a person’s life. From their ability to perform at school and work to their interpersonal relationships, substance abuse can slowly break down all of the good things about a person’s life until all they're focused on is getting their fix or drinking.

Drug addiction can also be a difficult topic to discuss, especially if you think your friend has a problem. It’s important to stay open-minded and remember that, with the right kind of support, recovery from substance abuse is possible. On the other hand, no matter the amount of support the person receives, they may not want to change their behavior and it's important to remember that that's not on you.

Below are some tips on helping a friend quit drug or alcohol abuse that can help you navigate this difficult situation and contribute to a loved one's recovery and, ultimately, their sobriety.

Learn What The Signs of Addiction Are

People use drugs for a variety of reasons, including to socialize, fit in, “escape” from stressors, and simply to experiment with something new. Not only will knowing the reasons behind your friend's drug use or drinking help you approach the conversation, but it’s also important to educate yourself on the signs of addiction, which can vary according to the substance.

A person with a dependence on drugs or alcohol may exhibit certain physical, behavioral, and emotional signs of addiction, which may become more apparent over time. Below are some common signs and symptoms of addiction that may indicate your friend is struggling:

Behavioral signs of addiction:

• Sudden changes in behavior or mood swings
• Withdrawal from you and other loved ones
• Lack of hygiene or carelessness about personal grooming
• Loss of interest in hobbies, sports, and other activities they once enjoyed
• Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home

Physical signs of addiction:

• Red, glassy, or bloodshot eyes
• Dilated or pinpoint pupils
• Constant sniffing or runny nose
• Frequent nosebleeds
• Track marks on the arms and legs
• Shakes and tremors
• Incoherent or slurred speech
• Impaired motor coordination and balance
• Sudden weight loss or weight gain

Other signs of addiction:

• Drug paraphernalia like burnt spoons and syringes
• Small, resealable baggies that could be used to store drugs
• Pipes, plastic bottles, or cans that have been tampered with or used to store drugs
• Burnt aluminum foil
• Missing money, valuables, or prescription drugs
• Numerous empty bottles of prescription drugs

Understand That Your Friend May Not Realize Their Problem

As obvious as these changes may seem to you, your friend may be in denial of their problem. Because they’re in the middle of drug or alcohol abuse, it can be difficult for them to see the big picture of how their behavior is affecting their life and the lives of others.

This can be extremely frustrating, especially as an outsider that has a clear view of the toll addiction is taking on your friend. However, it’s important to remain patient with your friend as you attempt to initiate the conversation about their problem.

Be honest with your friend about their issue and use clear language to ensure that they understand. Avoid talking to them while they’re high or under the influence of alcohol, so they can understand and remember the conversation.

For more tips on how to help a friend struggling with addiction, visit us here!