Addiction is caused by a variety of factors and takes many forms that can include shopping, gambling and eating. However, one thing that all types of addictions have in common is the strain that it puts on a person’s friends and families. Often, it is their close friends and family who are the first ones to notice that there is a growing problem. If you have noticed that a friend is struggling with addiction, then the following ideas can provide you with a way to reach out and encourage your friend as they begin to seek help:
Keep Communication Open
When a person begins to struggle with an addiction, they often withdraw from the people that they are closest to in order to avoid having their problem discovered. Once they begin a treatment program, such as drug rehab, they may also be afraid to bring up their problem out of a fear of being judged. For this reason, it can be helpful to let your friend know that you care enough to hear what they have to say. While you will want to avoid asking too many prying questions, it is nice to let your friend know that you are available whenever they need to talk.
Avoid Triggers
Many people who struggle with addiction find that they need to avoid certain situations where they may be tempted to indulge in their addiction. For this reason, a good friend will want to help a person stay away from temptation. This can be done by taking your friend’s addiction into consideration before planning activities together. For example, if your friend is addicted to alcohol, then spending time in a healthy activity, such as taking a walk, can be better than visiting a bar.
Offer Resources Taking the time to understand a person’s addiction is a great way to show that you care while offering support. It can be helpful to recommend resources, such as www.DrugRehab.org, so that your friend can begin to learn more about how to overcome their addiction. Additionally, you can offer physical support by assisting with childcare, shopping and other chores while your friend is receiving treatment.
When a friend is struggling with an emotional or mental issue, it can be difficult to know just how to help. Fortunately, there are many ways to reach out to someone who is beginning to seek help for a problem. By remaining available to listen, helping to find resources and offering healthy alternatives for spending time together, a person can reach out to their friend in a way that will be supportive while letting them know that you care.
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