How to help someone with a drug addiction

Supporting someone who is struggling with an addiction is difficult and can come with a whole host of emotions and questions. You may feel angry, frustrated or worried and it can also feel incredibly lonely at times. It’s normal to feel this way but if someone you care about is affected by harmful addiction, you don’t need to face this alone. Here at Change, we have put together some useful information on how to help someone with a drug addiction.

What is drug addiction?

Addiction is defined as not having control over doing, taking or using something to the point where it could be harmful to you. It’s possible to be addicted to anything but common addictions include alcohol, smoking, gambling and drugs. Addictive behaviours are more common than many people think and can affect people in all walks of life.

Drug addiction signs

The signs of drug addiction vary from person to person and drug to drug but there are some signs to be aware of when you are concerned about someone you care about. Signs could include:

• Secretive behaviour and/or lying

• Unexplained expenditure or spending large amounts of money

• Disciplinary action or issues in the workplace / school

• Legal issues

• Depression, anxiety, mood swings or aggressive behaviour

• Frequently feeling unwell or lethargic

• Isolation

  
  

Drug addiction support

• If they have never sought help before, encourage them to seek help for the first time. Take some of the roadblocks away by offering to attend with them, helping to find local support that meets their needs and reinforcing that it is ok to ask for help. Change provides advice and solutions to anyone who is struggling with a harmful addiction.

  
  

• If they have already taken that first step to receive treatment or support, that’s great news! To help them on their journey, offer to attend appointments with them and encourage them to continue to aim for their goals.

  
  

• Take the time to listen. It can be beneficial for people facing addiction to feel like they can talk things through without judgement and this can also help you to understand their thoughts and feelings.

  
  

• Take care of your own mental health and wellbeing. Being there for someone tackling addiction can take a toll so checking in with your own feelings is important.

-      Talk things through with a trusted friend or family member

-      Take time to relax and unwind

-      Try exercising and spending time in nature to give your mind a break

-      Seek support for yourself. Change offers online support sessions for family, friends and colleagues

We believe that everyone is capable of change, and we offer support and advice to individuals, family & friends and the workplace. Visit our services page to find out more.