Do You Know Someone Who Needs Help?
A substance use disorder is complex a disease in which there is uncontrolled use of a substance (alcohol, prescription or street drugs) despite harmful consequences. People keep using the substance even when they know it is causing or will cause problems.
As much as a person may want to value things in their life (children, marriage, career, health, freedom) over alcohol or drugs, they often find that they cannot stop using without help. If you have developed a dependency, it is not a matter of focus, willpower or morality. You have a disease, as recognized by the American Medical Association in 1956, and that disease must be treated in order to overcome the dependency.
Tips on How to Encourage Someone to Get Help
Ask
Do not argue with the person or cross examine them. Come from a place of concern, not judgment. Focus on the signs and symptoms you have observed.
Listen
Don’t assume you know the cause of the struggles. Get the person talking. Focus on how the situation is affecting the person and the people around them. Nonverbal communication is important too.
Refer
Do not diagnose the person. Refer them to a mental health professional. Diagnosis is an important first step in understanding the situation and finding hope that things can change. If possible, identify professional resources before you approach them.
Encourage
It may take more than one conversation to get there. Be patient, but persistent. If someone accepts professional help, keep encouraging them throughout the assessment and treatment process. Let them know when you have seen positive changes.
