1(800) 615-1067Helping a friend who is struggling with addiction can be challenging, but there are several things you can do to offer support:
Show your support: Let your friend know that you are there for them and that you care about their well-being. Listen to their concerns without judgment, and offer words of encouragement and support.
Educate yourself: Learn as much as you can about addiction and the specific substance that your friend is struggling with. This will help you understand what your friend is going through and how you can best support them.
Offer resources: Encourage your friend to seek professional help, and offer to help them find a treatment program or support group. If they are not ready to seek professional help, offer to help them research resources and options for them to consider.
Set boundaries: While it’s important to be supportive, it’s also important to set boundaries to protect your own well-being. Set limits on what you are willing to do and how much you can realistically offer.
Encourage healthy activities: Encourage your friend to engage in healthy activities, such as exercise, hobbies, or spending time with friends and family. These activities can help distract from cravings and promote a healthier lifestyle.
Avoid enabling behavior: It’s important to avoid enabling behavior, such as lending money or covering up for your friend’s addiction. Instead, encourage them to take responsibility for their actions and seek professional help.
Remember, addiction is a complex and challenging condition, and recovery is a journey that takes time and effort. By offering support, education, and resources, you can help your friend along their journey towards recovery.