How to Deal With an Addict as a Friend

Your friend needs love and support while battling an addiction, such as reliance on pills.

Your friend is considered an addict if she is physically and psychologically dependent on a substance or activity, whether she's taking illegal pills, smokes marijuana every night or can't go a day without drinking. The most common addiction that Americans have is to alcohol, with one in 12 American adults abusing the substance. Watching someone you love struggle with an addiction is difficult. While you can help her, you cannot force her to make any changes in her life.

Instructions

1. Remove yourself from any situations in which your friend is acting out her addiction, such as a party where you know she'll be drinking. Avoiding these situations will keep you out of trouble and will show your friend that you don't approve of her behavior. Invite her to do activities where drugs and alcohol will not be present, like going miniature golfing or taking a trip to the movies.

2. Keep yourself healthy. Worrying about your friend is natural, but letting her problem consume you will make you sick as well. Exercise daily and get enough sleep. You'll be more equipped to help your friend if you're of sound mind and body.

3. Research treatment options in your area. Find information about inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, as well as names and locations of support groups that are specifically aimed at your friend's addiction. Gather pamphlets or other printed information about each option.

4. Sit your friend down to explain your concerns. Invite her other close friends or family members to speak as well. Explain that you care about her and want her to get professional help. Show her all the information about treatment programs and explain how you're willing to help. Offer to drive her to support group meetings or take care of her animals if she decides to enter an inpatient facility.

5. Cut ties if the friend refuses to get help and continues to abuse drugs or alcohol. Tell her you love her but you can't watch as she continues to hurt herself. Ask her to contact you if she does decide to pursue treatment so you can possibly resume your friendship at that time.

Tips & Warnings

• Attending a support group for friends of addicts may give you comfort or additional ideas for helping your friend. Look for a Nar-Anon group, which is for friends and family of any addict, or an Al-Anon group for friends and family of alcohol abusers.

References

• National Institute of Health: National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism: FAQs
• Sure Haven: How Can I Help an Addict?

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Brainz: The Top 10 Most Common Addictions
• Nar-Anon Family Groups: Home
• Al-Anon Family Groups: Home