It’s tragic to watch someone you care for struggle with drug or alcohol misuse. On one hand, you know they’re fighting a disease they can’t manage without assistance. On the other, you might not feel comfortable getting involved in their health matters. But deep down, you probably understand that your friend with a substance abuse problem might find it challenging to ask for help, so here are some different ways to approach the issue with kindness and respect.
10 Ways to Support Your Friend and Encourage Substance Abuse Treatment
In 2023, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that more than 45 million people in the U.S. “met the applicable DSM-5 criteria for having a substance use disorder in the past year, including 29.5 million people who were classified as having an alcohol use disorder and 24 million people who were classified as having a drug use disorder.”
Additionally, “94 percent of people aged 12 or older with a substance use disorder did not receive any treatment. Nearly all people with a substance use disorder who did not get treatment at a specialty facility did not think they needed treatment.” It’s possible your friend might be at this particular point, or have other reasons why they don’t need to address their substance use disorder (SUD) or alcohol use disorder (AUD).
Being of service to them is a challenging but compassionate effort—and may make a considerable difference in their journey toward recovery. Here are 10 methods to consider.
1. Educate Yourself
- Why: Understanding substance abuse and addiction helps you provide informed support. You’ll be better equipped to recognize signs of abuse, understand your friend’s behavior, and respond appropriately.
- How: Research the substance your friend is using, learn about the addiction process, and familiarize yourself with local resources and treatment options. Use the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism as your research guides.
2. Communicate Openly and Compassionately
- Why: Open, non-judgmental communication is key to building trust and encouraging your friend to seek help. They may feel isolated or ashamed, and a compassionate conversation can make them feel understood and supported.
- How: Approach the conversation with care. Express your concern about their addiction without being accusatory or confrontational. Use “I” statements, such as “I’ve noticed that you’ve been struggling lately, and I’m worried about you.” Avoid shaming or blaming, as this can push your friend away.
3. Promote Healthy Activities
- Why: Encouraging alternative activities helps your friend find positive ways to cope with stress.
- How: Suggest and participate in healthy activities together, such as exercise, hobbies, or giving back in some way to a favorite nonprofit. In this way, they develop a stronger sense of purpose and fulfillment, which might help reduce compulsive behaviors.
4. Avoid Enabling Behavior
- Why: Enabling allows substance abuse to continue without consequences, which hinders your friend’s motivation to get professional treatment.
- How: Avoid covering up their mistakes, making excuses, or doing things for them they should be doing themselves. Encourage them to take responsibility for their actions, which is an important step toward recovery.
5. Provide Emotional Support
- Why: Emotional support helps your friend feel less alone. Knowing that someone cares adds to their recovery motivation.
- How: Be patient and listen without judgment. Offer your support, whether it’s talking through their feelings, helping them cope with stress, or simply spending time together without using substances. Reinforce positive changes and celebrate small victories.
6. Encourage Professional Help
- Why: Addiction is a complex brain disease that often requires professional treatment, including therapy, counseling, and medical intervention.
- How: Suggest exploring treatment options together, such as talking to a counselor or attending a support group. Make a list of questions to ask rehab centers. Offer to find resources or accompany them to appointments if they’re hesitant. Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
7. Set Boundaries
- Why: While supporting your friend, it’s important to protect your well-being, too. Having clear boundaries prevents you from being overwhelmed or slipping into enabling behavior.
- How: Communicate your limits clearly, such as not lending money if it might be used to purchase substances or not covering for them if they miss work. Let them know you care about them but that you won’t support harmful behaviors.
8. Be Prepared for Setbacks
- Why: Recovery from substance abuse is often a long and challenging process with potential relapses. Being prepared for setbacks helps you remain supportive and realistic about the journey.
- How: If your friend relapses, avoid expressing disappointment or anger. Instead, encourage them to get back on track and seek additional help if needed. Reinforce that setbacks are a part of the process and not a sign of failure.
9. Take Care of Yourself
- Why: Supporting someone with a substance abuse problem is often emotionally draining. It’s essential to care for your own mental and emotional health to be an effective support system.
- How: Make time for self-care, set emotional boundaries, and consider joining a support group for friends and family of individuals with substance use disorders. This ensures you remain strong and resilient.
10. Be Patient and Persistent
- Why: Recovery is a long-term process that requires ongoing support. Your gentle, unyielding steadfastness makes a lasting difference in your friend’s life.
- How: Continue to bolster their efforts, even if progress seems slow. Encourage small steps and remain hopeful, reminding your friend that recovery is possible and worth the effort.
Find More Progressive Solutions at Willingway
Helping a friend with AUD or SUD is a delicate balance of offering support while encouraging responsibility and treatment. If none of the above works well, another option is professional intervention. The board-certified professionals at our Georgia and Florida addiction rehabilitation locations offer a comprehensive approach to interventions that’s proven effective in helping many individuals start their journey to recovery. Ask our admissions team for more details.