Keeping a drug addict clean and sober can be a difficult and ongoing process. Here are some steps that may help:
Encourage treatment: Encourage the person to seek professional treatment for their addiction. This may include therapy, medication-assisted treatment, or support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
Create a supportive environment: Offer emotional support and encourage the person to engage in healthy activities, such as exercise or hobbies, to replace the time they once spent using drugs.
Set clear boundaries: Establish clear boundaries and consequences for drug use, and enforce them consistently. This may include limiting or ending contact if drug use continues.
Educate yourself: Learn about addiction and how it affects the brain and behavior, so that you can understand what the person is going through and be better equipped to support them.
Monitor behavior: Keep track of the person’s behavior and look for signs of relapse, such as changes in mood or behavior, social withdrawal, or physical symptoms.
Seek support: Get support for yourself as well. This may include attending support groups for family members of addicts, or seeking individual therapy.
Remember that addiction is a chronic and relapsing disease, and staying clean and sober is a lifelong journey. It’s important to be patient, supportive, and understanding, and to offer ongoing encouragement and support.