How to Convince a Drug Addict That They Need Help

In the United States alone, there are 22 million people with existing drug problems. That means that one in fifteen people suffer with an addiction. Therefore, many people know someone in their families or friend circles that have a problem. Loved ones only want what is best for those who are dearest to them, so many people struggle with the idea of trying to convince the affected parties to seek help stopping. An individual with an addiction can seek help from the best drug rehabilitation center or a special program, but the individual must want to change before anything positive can progress. The following are five suggested tips on how to convince a drug addict that he or she is in need of help:

Private Inquiries

In order to convince someone that he or she needs to seek treatment, the interested party has to establish a drug addiction. The user may not be a point in which he or she can admit the problem. Additionally, a suspected drug addiction may be an embarrassing subject. Therefore, the best way to tackle the initial consultation is by getting the person to an isolated room and talking to him or her. Discussions of this matter are not meant for telephones or text messaging devices. The user will want privacy and direct communication. The person asking about the addiction should not openly accuse the suspected party. Instead he or she should calmly state the concern of a possible addiction. The person should then offer his or her help should there be a problem. The objective is to make the user feel safe instead of guarded.

Discussing the Negative Effects

Discussing the negative effects that certain drugs have on the body and mind is an excellent way to begin a conversation about possible drug addiction. That way the user is not being accused of being an addict. Instead the other party is passing along helpful information that may prompt the user to think about what he or she is doing. The suspected party may respond to this information in an irate fashion or a welcoming fashion, depending on the stage of the addiction.

Intervention

An intervention is a procedure in which a person’s family and closest friends meet with the accused party and speak openly about how that person’s drug usage is affecting the relationships. Family members may discuss times the addicted person stole or borrowed money. A romantic partner may discuss cheating or abuse. A child may discuss neglect. Interventions have a 50 percent success rate. The addict may take it that everyone in his or her life is ganging up on one person. Alternatively, the individual may have an epiphany and decide to get help.

Educational Material

Another effective method in convincing an addict to get help is showing him or her educational material. A documentary on the life of a drug addict may hit home for the abuser. Pamphlets from rehabilitation institutions may also strike a nerve for that person to seek help.

Tough Love

When other methods fail, sometimes tough love is in order. Tough love acts may include temporarily suspending relationships, cutting off financial backing, or threatening the person’s job. This method is meant to jar the user to consider the important elements in life and get his or her priorities in order. Tough love works with some people but will not work in all situations. The key to getting an addict to seek help is patience. Family members and friends must be supportive in letting the addict know they will be there during the recovery process. Knowing that one has support with treatment will help a great deal. META: Tough love acts are meant to jar the user to consider the important elements in life and get his or her priorities in order. ***124 CHARS***