How do you help someone with an addiction?

@lizabeth (666)
United States
December 26, 2006 2:03am CST
I know someone that has an addiction to drugs. He came to me and ask for my help in trying to stop. I have tried helping but it seems like I am banging my head on a brick wall. I have found people with drug addictions to be sneaky and conniving and will do anything to get what they are wanting. I do feel so sorry for him because I see he is sincere in wanting help but nothing ever seems to be enough. When I think things are looking up and getting better he slips again. This has been something he has struggled with all his young adult to adult life. Any suggestions. He has tried going to rehab and counseling but nothing seems to work. I am about at the end of the road with him because I don't know what else to do...
7 people like this
36 responses
@kstanley7 (1171)
27 Dec 06
I had a friend that was addicted to vodka, I managed to help her off of it, by just limiting her, and making her feel more comfortable, she now drinks coffee more often, and only has a small drink, which she has done for 4 years now.
1 person likes this
@lizabeth (666)
• United States
27 Dec 06
That's wonderful that you could help her like that. I am holding on to hope that it will happen for my friend.
• United States
26 Dec 06
This is going to be the worst time of his life... make sure he knows that you are here to help... if he takes your help and stays clean then power to him but know that you can help him but it very rare to get clean and never go back... a addition will be there FOREVER... it is the worst feeling to have in your body but it will happen after torturing yourself for so long... putting so many bad chemicals in your body will not get away any faster then what you let it... make sure this person is taking a lot of vitamins and other nutrients to make sure that their body stays strong... Having an addiction is no joke... Rehab and counseling can only work for so long until they get bored of it... This is the will power for that other person... this is not you dicision this is theirs... realize that they need help but you have to let them guide themselves... you MUST not do it for them or they are going to rely on other for everything... if it goes on for to long then you might have to tell them they need to go to there parents... parents can help this so much more than friends... That person is going to be afraid to do that but they must if they keep relasping... The addiction problem will have to be taken care of by TLC... the parents don't need to turn him in... they just need keep a leash on him and make sure that he is fed and maintained from doing it again. This will help a lot... but know that it is not your obligation to help this person... they put themselves in this mess... they will have to get themselves out of it themselves...
1 person likes this
@lizabeth (666)
• United States
26 Dec 06
Thank you for your advice. I know everything you have said it true.
• India
26 Dec 06
there is vey little i can offer u as help in matters like this since I have had no experience in dealing with issues like that..but the one thing I know is that such people need support and encouragement and it has to come from people like u..the more support u can provide him the better the situation I would hope becomes..u got to teach him whats better for him and do whatever U can to help me..i just wish that things would get better..
1 person likes this
@lizabeth (666)
• United States
26 Dec 06
Thank you so much.
@palaki (61)
• Malaysia
26 Dec 06
this is really nice to know tat somebody wud really wanna come out of it such person r very emotional so have to tackle them very emotionaly if by chance taking 2 some rehabiliation center ,then make sure not to force them but emotionally tackle the situation never mntion them tat they need some medication or they r ill they really take it to heart my dear these people r just likea child who can act like a terririst ..i mean like in case of terriorist u dont know wat will happen next ....the same way i hope u hve understood
1 person likes this
@lizabeth (666)
• United States
26 Dec 06
I understand and thank you for your encouragement.
• India
26 Dec 06
Go to nature and you must feel there are so many things to live really...!!!! Take a tour to india or another aenceient place. Best Luck.
1 person likes this
• India
26 Dec 06
to tell him about the danger effects of the addicted material
1 person likes this
• China
27 Dec 06
Nothing is impossible!Your encouragement and support will help him ,i think.
@beverly1 (1128)
• United States
27 Dec 06
i would try to help out as much as i could i would try to get in a place for a while to get off his addiction and to help him to talk to other people with the same prombler as he got
1 person likes this
@123456_ (1052)
• Philippines
27 Dec 06
well be there for the person. at least the will to stop is already there ask him to undergo some counselling i wish he would approve this
@imadriscoll (2228)
• United States
27 Dec 06
I think that you can hold a person accountable for their actions only when they desire to change. You should never take it seriously if they slip back into their old ways. Be supportive and don't judge. Listen and be loving ... but they might need professional help.
@blanksolid (1631)
• Spain
26 Dec 06
The best option for help him is talking with him and his parents, helping him going to the hospital and being together, have a nice day on mylot and happy earnings also.
1 person likes this
@dmanuel (411)
26 Dec 06
from what i understand in your post, your friedn is willing to change i think it's best if he's gonna be away from his usual friends and environment. i would be best for his recovery to start a new life in a new environment. and also don't forget to pray. good luck!
1 person likes this
• United States
27 Dec 06
The number 1 thing to remember when you are dealing with an addict is: DONT EVER LET THEM GET YOU DOWN OR INTERFER WITH YOUR LIFE IN ANY WAY SHAPE OR FORM! - from experience that is really important. Not knowing what your exact relationship is w/ this person and little info here is what my experiences would lead me to advise you.... 1. You can't help him--the key is--he has to help himself first. You maybe able to aide in that process but you are UNABLE to 'fix' his addiction. Dont let him use and abuse you. 2. Let him know that you are there for him and want to support him in changing if that is what HE wants--but he has to show you some action i.e attending a meeting, scheduling an appt with a counslor ect... 3. Dont give him money 4. Please dont beat yourself up if you lose him along the way --sometimes the best thing for someone with an addiction is to hit rock bottom before commming up. Its tough, real tough... i am not going to tell you it is an easy road to travel.. I have traveled that road and am still in a battle with it. As long as you know that he knows that you sincerly care about him, until he wants the help, thats all you need to do and can do for him. If he ever hits rock bottom or really wants to start the rehabilitaion process he will come to you and you will know in your heart that this time he's sincere about it. please email me if you want to talk sometime lacey.york@gmail.com
1 person likes this
@babs6219 (153)
• United States
27 Dec 06
If one rehab didn't work, try another. It's incredibly difficult to get off of an addiction, and more so if you're attempting it by yourself (IE, not in a group, rehab, etc.) Try the 12 step groups, if NA or AA doesn't do it, there are others. You are an amazing friend to do this, good luck!
1 person likes this
@emmet18 (1114)
• Romania
27 Dec 06
It is difficult to generalize about all of the situations in which you may find yourself feeling worried about the mental health of someone close to you. However, if you are feeling concerned then some action should be taken if for no other reason than to show you care. Many people today are afraid of sticking their neck out and intruding. But if you are truly concerned about someone, then you are being compassionate to let him or her know. Remember that this person may still feel the stigma surrounding therapy and you will have to tread lightly. Also, remember that many individuals will tell you that you should mind your own business. But if someone close to you is suffering, then it is okay to try to offer some assistance. If it is rejected by a grown person then you may have to let it go and realize that you are not responsible for another adult who does not want help.
1 person likes this
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
26 Dec 06
The best you can do is to encourage him to get professional help (as it seems he has been doing). He needs to understand why you are encouraging him and that you are doing it out of friendship and not merely to interfere with his life or in a controlling way. Very often friendly encouragement seems like interference to people who are addicted, so you need to keep talking to him quietly until he understands all the negative things about his habit.
1 person likes this
@kawillow74 (1416)
• United States
26 Dec 06
Any kind of addiction is hard know matter what I had a gambleing addiction and my family has help allot on my last time of hitting bottom they said it will be tough love from here on out and it really made me think at what I was doing to myself and my family. Try and stick with it if he really wants the help he can come around. Just be there for him. Good luck to both of you it is a struggle everyday.
1 person likes this
@hazeter (670)
• Philippines
26 Dec 06
i think the best way is send him or her to the place where all the people addict is there coz there, all the doctors who is expert in that sickness will help them and can help them. Unlike at home we dont know what to do or what is happening so it is better if u just send her to a place where he or she belong to recover.
1 person likes this
• Pakistan
26 Dec 06
The only way out is to consult a doctor or some such centre that is meant for the rehabilitation of such addicted people,and the good thing is that he himself wanna get out of this addiction,and i am sure the doctor would help him alot recovering from this addiction!
• Greece
26 Dec 06
You have to stay near him.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
26 Dec 06
rehab... take them SLOWLY away from their addiction...
1 person likes this