Drugs and alcohol are some of the most common reasons people find themselves in need of help. It can be difficult for family, friends, or even acquaintances to know what to say when someone they care about needs help with addiction. Many different approaches might work depending on the person’s situation, but there is no set rule for doing it best. This article will describe some things you can say if you’re looking for advice on talking to a friend who needs help with drugs or alcohol.
You Are Not Alone
This is a universal truth. Everyone knows that the world population is more than 7 billion, and there are many of us fighting our own battle with addiction. You do not need to feel alone if you’re struggling with drugs or alcohol because there are millions of people just like you who need help as well. If you want to talk about it, know that we understand exactly what you’re going through on Reddit’s r/StopDrinking and r/StopEatingDisorder subreddits (check them out!), and we will support you no matter what. We can give advice and support each other without even knowing somebody personally, which means we can certainly try to do the same for people we care about as well.
I Am Here For You
This statement lets the person know you are supportive and available to talk if they need it. It also reassures them that you will not judge them or turn your back on them, no matter what they may have done. Addiction can be a very isolating experience, so knowing somebody is there for you can make all the difference.
Let Us Get Help Together
This statement shows that you are proactive about getting help and willing to do whatever it takes to support the person in need. It also implies that you accept their addiction seriously and want to work together to overcome it. This might be the best option if the person is resistant to getting help or is not ready to admit they have a problem.
I Am Worried About You
This statement can be difficult to say, but it’s important to let the person know that you are genuinely concerned for their well-being. It shows that you care about them and want them to get better. This might be the best opening gambit if you feel like the person is not ready to talk about their addiction.
What Can I Do To Help?
This question demonstrates that you are willing to do whatever it takes to help your friend, even if you don’t know what that is yet. It also puts the responsibility on the person who needs help instead of making you feel like you have to “rescue” them. This question can provide a good starting point for further discussing their addiction and getting help.
Let Us Talk About How You Can Get Better
This statement is very direct, but it’s also very effective when you feel like the person is ready to address their addiction head-on and wants your help in doing so. It implies that you want to do whatever it takes and will be there for them every step of the way. If they don’t seem interested or distracted by something else, try asking them what you could do to support them instead of telling them what you plan on doing. Telling somebody not to drink or use drugs might just push them away since they’re already struggling with these things. Offering to help them is a much better way to start the conversation about getting better.
I Am Here If You Need To Talk
This statement is always a safe bet. It assures the person that you are there for them, no matter what. This might be the best thing to say if you’re not sure what else to say or if the person is not ready to talk about their addiction yet. Just let them know that you’re there for them, and they can come to you whenever they’re ready.
How Did You Start Using Drugs/Drinking?
This question can be difficult to ask, but it’s important to understand how the person’s addiction started. Understanding their experiences can help you better understand why they are struggling in the first place. It also doesn’t have to be a negative conversation, so asking this question could open the door for sharing their story instead of shutting them down.
What Do You Need From Me?
This is another good question when you feel like you don’t know what to say or do. It offers your friend an opportunity to voice any concerns about their addiction and how it affects you and give them a chance to bring up ways that you can support them. Offering help without being asked might not be perceived as genuine by the person struggling with drugs or alcohol, but if they bring up something they need, then try offering to provide them with it if you’re able to.
Are you struggling with drug addiction, or do you know somebody who is? Worry no more! We are dedicated to helping you through every step of the recovery process. Contact us today at 844-639-8371 to learn more about our programs and how we can help you or your loved one get back on track!