How to Help Someone With Drug Addiction

Watching a loved one struggle with drug addiction is heartbreaking and will leave you feeling helpless, but your support is an important part of their recovery journey. Supporting someone with drug addiction is a complex and challenging task, but it is also incredibly important. The journey of addiction recovery is often fraught with difficulties, and having a supportive network makes a significant difference in a person’s ability to achieve and maintain sobriety. The goal is to provide practical and compassionate advice to help loved ones navigate this challenging time and offer meaningful support.

According to the Butler Center for Research at Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, approximately 89% of patients who complete alcohol rehab are still sober one month after discharge. Additionally, an estimated 76% of alcohol rehab patients who successfully complete treatment report still being sober at three months, roughly 69% at six months, and a little more than 70% at nine months. For drug rehab, between 85% and 95% of individuals who successfully complete treatment report remaining abstinent from all drugs nine months after discharge.

What Are the First Steps to Help Someone With Drug Addiction?

Helping someone with drug addiction will be overwhelming, but taking the right initial steps will set the foundation for effective support and recovery, from education to showing empathy. According to “Rehab Success Rates and Statistics” published by the American Addiction Center, relapse rates for substance use disorders are estimated to be between 40-60%, which is similar to relapse rates for other chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes. Thus showing the prevalence of substance use and how important finding the proper treatment is. Here are the key first steps:

Educate Yourself About Addiction

Understanding addiction is crucial for providing informed support. Here’s how you should educate yourself:

• Learn About the Nature of Addiction: Understand that addiction is a complex but treatable disease that affects brain function and behavior. Go to seminars or Al-anon meetings specifically for loved ones of people struggling with substance use disorder. 
• Recognize Signs and Symptoms: Familiarize yourself with the signs and symptoms of drug abuse, such as changes in behavior, physical health, and social interactions.
• Explore Treatment Options: Research the various treatment options available, including medical, psychological, and holistic approaches. 
• Read Reputable Sources: Refer to reliable sources like the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and SAMHSA Behavioral Health Treatment Services.

Show Empathy and Support

Showing empathy and support makes a significant difference in your loved one’s recovery journey. Here are ways to demonstrate empathy and support:

• Listen Without Judgment: Approach them with compassion and listen to their concerns and struggles without judging. Use phrases like, “I’m here for you,” and “I believe in your ability to overcome this.”
• Express Your Support: Let them know you are there for them by offering emotional support, which helps reduce feelings of isolation and shame. For example, regularly check in on their well-being and reassure them of your support.
• Provide Encouragement: Celebrate small victories and progress to boost their confidence and motivation. Praise their efforts by saying things like, “I’m proud of how far you’ve come,” or “You’re doing an amazing job.”
• Be Patient: Understand that recovery is a long process with ups and downs. Show patience, especially during challenging times, and reassure them that setbacks are a part of the journey.

Set Boundaries and Avoid Enabling

While it’s important to be supportive, it’s equally important to set healthy boundaries and avoid enabling behaviors because it is easy to be manipulated by someone who you care about that is making bad decisions about their drug use. Here’s how to do it:

• Establish Clear Boundaries: Define what behaviors are acceptable and the consequences of crossing those boundaries. For example, you might say, “We won’t tolerate drug use in our home,” or “You must attend your therapy sessions regularly.” Setting these standards will show your loved one that you are serious about them making a change.
• Understand Enabling Behaviors: Enabling behaviors are actions that inadvertently support the addiction. These include giving them money, covering up their mistakes, or taking on their responsibilities. For instance, paying their bills or lying to their employer to cover for their absences will enable their addiction.
• Avoid Enabling: Do not give money that could be used to buy drugs. Instead, offer support in ways that promote their recovery, such as providing transportation to therapy sessions or helping them find a job. Encourage independence by having them take responsibility for their actions and decisions.
• Encourage Responsibility: Promote accountability and independence to help them take responsibility for their recovery. This includes making them responsible for their own appointments, finances, and daily routines. Use supportive language to reinforce their ability to manage these responsibilities.
• Seek Professional Advice: Consult with addiction professionals to understand the best ways to set and enforce boundaries. Therapists or support groups offers guidance on how to handle specific situations without enabling the addiction.

How to Encourage Someone to Seek Professional Help

Encouraging someone to seek professional help for drug addiction is challenging but is essential for their recovery because it will allow them to find the tools they need from trained experts. According to the National Survey of Substance Abuse Treatment Services (N-SSATS), there were 17,353 substance abuse treatment facilities in the United States in 2022, a slight decrease from the previous year. Here are key steps to take:

Planning and Conducting an Intervention

Planning and conducting an intervention involves gathering loved ones to express their concerns and encourage the individual to seek help. Here’s how to do it effectively:

• Assemble a Team: Include close family members, friends, and a professional interventionist if possible. Ensure the team is composed of people who genuinely care about the person’s well-being.
• Prepare and Rehearse: Each participant should plan what they will say, focusing on specific behaviors and how these have impacted them. Rehearsing helps to ensure the intervention goes smoothly and everyone remains calm and focused.
• Choose the Right Time and Place: Conduct the intervention at a time when the individual is sober and in a calm state. The location should be private and comfortable to facilitate open communication.
• Communicate with Compassion: Speak with empathy, using “I” statements to express concern without blaming or judging. For example, say, “I feel worried when you miss work due to drug use,” instead of “You are ruining your life with drugs.”
• Offer a Clear Plan: Present a specific, actionable plan for seeking help, including treatment options and logistics. Provide immediate options, such as appointments with a therapist or rehab facility.

Finding the Right Treatment Program

Finding the right treatment program involves researching and selecting a program that fits the individual’s specific needs. The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reports that treatment is effective, but success depends on factors such as the frequency and duration of drug use, criminal behaviors, family and social environments, educational background, employment status, and additional physical and mental health conditions. It is also important to find a good treatment center. Here’s what to look for in rehab center:

Accreditation and Licensing

• Accreditation: Ensure the treatment center is accredited by reputable organizations, such as the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) or The Joint Commission. According to SAMHSA, about 29% of treatment facilities have CARF accreditation. Accreditation indicates that the facility meets high standards of care.
• Licensing: Verify that the facility is licensed by the state in which it operates. This ensures compliance with state regulations and standards.

Qualified Staff

• Credentials: Look for treatment centers with staff who hold relevant certifications and licenses. For example, addiction counselors hold credentials such as National Certified Addiction Counselor (NCAC I or II) or Master Addiction Counselor (MAC) from the National Certification Commission for Addiction Professionals (NCC AP).
• Experience: Ensure that the staff has experience in treating substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.

Treatment Approaches

• Evidence-Based Practices: The center should use evidence-based treatment methods, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and motivational interviewing.
• Personalized Care: Look for programs that offer individualized treatment plans tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

Comprehensive Services

• Detoxification: Availability of medically supervised detoxification services if needed.
• Inpatient and Outpatient Programs: Options for both inpatient and outpatient treatment to accommodate different levels of care.
• Aftercare Planning: Programs that provide aftercare planning and support to help maintain sobriety after treatment.

Support Services

• Family Involvement: Programs that involve family members in the treatment process is beneficial.
• Support Groups: Access to support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) will provide ongoing support.

Location and Cost

• Proximity: Consider the location of the treatment center and whether it is convenient for you or your loved one.
• Insurance and Payment Options: Check if the facility accepts your insurance and offers flexible payment options.

Resources to Find Treatment Programs

• FindTreatment.gov: A confidential and anonymous resource provided by SAMHSA to help individuals find treatment facilities in the United States.
• SAMHSA’s National Helpline: A 24/7 free and confidential helpline that provides treatment referrals and information about mental and substance use disorders. Call 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

Continuous Encouragement and Follow-up

Continuous encouragement and follow-up are critical for sustaining motivation and supporting long-term recovery. Promoting healthy choices like attending AA or NA meetings regularly is extremely helpful to lasting recovery. According to a study heard on NPR titled “New Review Finds Alcoholics Anonymous Is Effective” 42% of AA participants were completely abstinent after one year, compared to 35% of those who underwent only professional treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy. Here’s how to maintain support:

• Stay Engaged: Regularly check in on their progress, showing ongoing interest and support. Ask about their experiences in treatment and listen to their concerns and achievements.
• Celebrate Milestones: Acknowledge and celebrate their successes, no matter how small. Positive reinforcement boosts their confidence and commitment to recovery.
• Offer Practical Support: Assist with logistics such as transportation to therapy sessions or managing daily responsibilities. Practical support helps reduce stress and allows them to focus on recovery.
• Encourage Healthy Habits: Promote activities that support recovery, such as exercise, hobbies, and social connections. Encouraging a healthy lifestyle improves overall well-being and reduces the risk of relapse.
• Provide Emotional Support: Be patient and understanding, especially during difficult times. Recovery involves setbacks, and your unwavering support helps them stay on track.
• Utilize Support Groups: Encourage participation in support groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) or Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), which provide peer support and shared experiences crucial for long-term sobriety.

How to Support Someone With Drug Addiction and Depression?

Supporting someone who is dealing with both drug addiction and depression are particularly challenging, as these conditions often exacerbate each other. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) Study, there is a significant link between depression and substance use disorders. Among individuals with a mood disorder, 32 percent had a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD). More specifically, of individuals with lifetime major depression, 16.5 percent had an alcohol use disorder and 18 percent of those with major depression had a drug use disorder. Here are key steps to help:

Understanding the Link Between Addiction and Depression

The connection between drug addiction and depression is crucial for providing effective support. These conditions are often interrelated, with each influencing the other in a negative cycle.

• Shared Risk Factors: Both addiction and depression will be triggered by genetic, environmental, and psychological factors. Traumatic experiences, chronic stress, and family history increases the risk of both conditions.
• Self-Medication: Many individuals with depression turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate and alleviate their symptoms. This leads to substance dependence and worsen depressive symptoms over time.
• Neurobiological Changes: Addiction and depression both involve changes in brain chemistry and function. Substance use alters neurotransmitter levels, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play key roles in mood regulation.
• Cycle of Worsening Symptoms: Substance abuse will exacerbate depressive symptoms, and in turn, worsening depression leads to increased substance use as a coping mechanism.

Encouraging Integrated Treatment

Integrated treatment addresses both addiction and depression simultaneously, which is essential for effective recovery. A survey by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that as many as 90% of people who need drug rehab do not receive it. Here’s how to encourage integrated treatment:

• Seek Dual Diagnosis Treatment Programs: Look for treatment programs that specialize in dual diagnosis, meaning they are equipped to treat both addiction and mental health disorders concurrently. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides resources for finding such programs.
• Consult with Healthcare Professionals: Encourage your loved one to see a psychiatrist or addiction specialist who develops a comprehensive treatment plan. This includes a combination of medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes.
• Medication Management: Medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications are crucial in managing depression. Ensure that these medications are prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional to avoid potential interactions with substances used for addiction treatment.
• Therapeutic Approaches: Integrated treatment often involves a variety of therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Motivational Interviewing (MI), which address both mental health and substance use issues. According to a study written by McHugh et al. in 2010 published in the Journal of Substance Abuse Treatment, integrated therapies are effective in improving outcomes for individuals with dual diagnoses.

Providing Emotional and Practical Support

Providing ongoing emotional and practical support is vital for helping someone with addiction and depression. According to a study by Archer et al. 2018, titled “Effectiveness of Family Interventions in Drug and Alcohol Abuse,” 2018 published in the American Journal of Drug and Alcohol Abuse, structured family interventions resulted in treatment entry for 71% of participants. Here’s how to do it:

• Be Empathetic and Non-Judgmental: Show understanding and compassion. Listen to their experiences without judgment and validate their feelings. Express statements like, “I’m here for you,” and “You’re not alone in this.”
• Encourage Open Communication: Create a safe space for them to talk about their struggles. Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings, and reassure them that it’s okay to seek help.
• Assist with Daily Responsibilities: Help with tasks that feel overwhelming, such as household chores, managing appointments, or running errands. This practical support reduces their stress and allows them to focus on recovery.
• Promote Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Encourage activities that support mental health and sobriety, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and sufficient sleep. Engage in these activities together to provide motivation and companionship.
• Stay Involved in Their Treatment: Attend therapy sessions or support group meetings if appropriate and welcomed. This involvement shows your commitment to their recovery and helps you understand their progress and challenges.
• Set Realistic Expectations: Understand that recovery is a long-term process with potential setbacks. Be patient and celebrate small victories along the way to maintain motivation and positivity.
• Encourage Participation in Support Groups: Support groups such as Dual Recovery Anonymous (DRA) or other 12-step programs specifically for individuals with co-occurring disorders provide peer support and shared experiences that are crucial for recovery.

What Not to Do When Helping Someone With Drug Addiction

When helping someone with drug addiction, it’s important to approach the situation with care and understanding because you don’t want them to feel attacked and alone in their journey. This creates doubt making a person feel not worthy of healing. Here are key things to avoid:

Avoid Preaching, Lecturing, and Criticizing

Preaching, lecturing, or criticizing alienates your loved one and makes them feel judged or misunderstood. Instead of helping, these actions often lead to defensiveness and a breakdown in communication.

• Why to Avoid: These behaviors create a hostile environment and discourage your loved one from seeking help or sharing their struggles.
• Alternative Approach: Engage in open, non-judgmental conversations. Use “I” statements to express your concerns, such as “I feel worried when you miss work because of drug use,” instead of “You’re ruining your life.”

Do Not Enable the Addiction

Enabling behaviors will unintentionally support the addiction, making it harder for your loved one to realize the consequences of their actions and seek help.

• Examples of Enabling: Giving money, covering up for their mistakes, bailing them out of legal trouble, or taking over their responsibilities.
• Why to Avoid: Enabling prevents the individual from facing the natural consequences of their addiction, which will delay their decision to seek treatment.
• Alternative Approach: Set clear boundaries and stick to them. Promote recovery by helping them find treatment options or providing transportation to therapy sessions.

Avoid Taking on Their Responsibilities

Taking on their responsibilities fosters dependence and hinder their progress toward recovery. It’s important for them to take ownership of their actions and responsibilities.

• Examples of Taking on Responsibilities: Paying their bills, handling their legal issues, or doing their work for them.
• Why to Avoid: This behavior will prevent your loved one from developing the skills and accountability necessary for recovery.
• Alternative Approach: Encourage them to handle their own responsibilities and offer guidance when needed. Help them develop a plan to manage their tasks and support them in following through.

What Should You Do If They Refuse Help?

If your loved one refuses help, remain supportive and continue encouraging them to seek treatment. Educate yourself about addiction, maintain open communication, and set healthy boundaries to protect yourself and avoid enabling behaviors. Seek support from groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon and consider consulting an addiction specialist for guidance on how to approach your loved one.

How Do You Take Care of Yourself While Helping a Loved One?

Taking care of yourself is important when supporting a loved one with addiction because if you don’t take care of your personal issues, it is not possible to support someone else in their difficult journey. Set boundaries to protect your time and energy, join support groups like Al-Anon or Nar-Anon, and practice self-care through activities that promote physical, mental, and emotional health. Consider seeing a therapist or counselor for additional support and stay informed about addiction and recovery.

Should You Force Someone to Get Treatment?

Forcing someone into treatment is ineffective unless there are legal means, such as court-ordered rehab, if the individual poses a danger to themselves or others. Family members or healthcare providers will petition for involuntary commitment in certain circumstances. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), involuntary treatment leads to positive outcomes with supportive follow-up care and resources, though voluntary commitment tends to result in better long-term engagement and outcomes.