Helping someone with a substance use disorder is not so easy that you might think. Especially if that person is closed to you, someone you dearly loved, it’s become even more difficult to accept the reality.
Approaching a drug addict becomes quite challenging when the victim isn’t aware of their condition. In the beginning, you will see them in denial, not accepting the truth and constantly refusing to admit that they are abusing a drug. Under these circumstances, one thing you must be adhered to is, be patient. As long as you have the patience to endure their behavior, there is hope that you can bring them back to a normal life.
The importance of professional help is undeniable. But, drug addicts need more than that. They need your care, love, and support to overcome their addiction. So, if you genuinely want to know how to help a drug addict, go ahead to read this article till the end. We have included the basic yet fruitful tips you can follow to help someone get rid of their addiction.
How To Know A Person Is Abusing Drug?
To help an addict, first, you must know how to recognize that they are abusing a drug. Addiction may occur either from prescription medicine or recreational drug. Regardless of what type of addiction they are suffering from, you will observe some most common changes among all drug addicts.
- Difficulty in managing their routine tasks given at school, home, or office
- Neglecting their responsibilities and failing in relationships
- Losing focus and interest in hobbies
- Withdrawing themselves from gatherings, going in isolation
- Dealing with health issues such as weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue, etc.
- Drastic changes in behavior, mood swings, becoming aggressive and suspicious.
- Seeking loans or even indulging in illegal activities to get money for fulfilling their cravings of substance.
Observing these changes in an individual indicates that the person is risking their health using abusive drugs.
Try To Find Out The Reasons
The reasons for addiction may vary from person to person. Furthermore, it can be one or more. But, if you can discover what is bothering the person that he has become ignorant to his life and health, you may be in a better position to offer help.
How To Help A Drug Addict Other Than Rehab
When you are finally prepared to come forward and offer help, here are the things you should do to help a drug addict recover from his addiction as early as possible.
1. Be Patient and Understanding
As mentioned earlier, being patient is most helpful in dealing with this situation. It is common to note that addicts are often ashamed of discussing their drug abuse. They have fears of being abandoned by their family, losing friends, and heartbreaking responses from society.
If you assure them that you’ll understand their problems, they will easily open up to you.
2. Listen To Them
Communicate with them. Positive and healthy conversations can mend broken hearts and relations. It would help if you took out time to listen to what bothers them. Once they become comfortable talking to you, it will be easier to know the root causes, and you’ll be able to address them accordingly.
3. Encourage Them For Seeking Help
Please don’t force them to leave addiction or visit a professional for help. The better option is to try to counsel them yourself. Then, ask them to visit a professional when you know that they’re now aware of their condition and have addressed the problem.
4. Express Your Concerns
It’s a little bit psychological game where you try to make them think about your genuine concerns towards their health, life, and future. As a result, they’ll also make efforts to get rid of addiction while thinking someone cares for them.
However, don’t lie about your feelings as if they’ll discover it later, it can be more dangerous.
Conclusion
There are many people who try to help an addicted individual out of empathy and concern. The points above will help you know how to help a drug addict before rehab. But you must know that they will need a professional’s help for their complete recovery from addiction. Please check the Ibogaine treatment cost and how does Ibogaine work.
