How to Explain a Drug Addiction to Loved Ones

Explaining a drug addiction to your family and friends can be nerve wracking. You may not necessarily talk about your own addiction, but perhaps someone else's addiction. Maybe you are explaining what a drug addiction is to your children. If you are dealing with a drug addiction yourself and want to reach out to your friends and family, then follow these steps to explain a drug addiction to loved ones.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Tell your family and friends immediately that you have a drug addiction. The sooner you disclose this secret of yours, the sooner you will be on a path to recovery. The first step is admitting you have a problem.
2. Start by telling your friends and family why you ended up taking drugs, and how you plan to get help. Most people will support another if they know the person will seek help.
3. Make an action plan with your loved ones, and tell them that you will get help from the community and health system. Explain to them that it might take some time before you get back on the road to recovery, and that it doesn't happen overnight.
4. Tell your friends and family what feelings you would suppress while taking drugs. Then explain how you plan to deal with these emotions in healthier ways in the future.
5. Ask your family and friends to support you and to listen to you if you ever need to talk. Apologize to the people you may have hurt during the time of using drugs. Make amends and move towards recovery.