| Most people who have loved ones with an alcohol or | | | | how serious the impact of a friendship circle can be. |
| drug abuse problem would do anything to help them. | | | | If you are in a position to keep your loved one away |
| Here I will give you seven top tips to help deal with | | | | from people who they regularly drink or take drugs |
| your loved one's problem. | | | | with, then do so. You will probably know how helpful |
| Don't Play the Blame Game | | | | it is to do things like quit smoking or diet if there are |
| Although it can be hard, try not to blame your loved | | | | supportive people to help you. This also works in |
| one for their problem, and equally don't blame | | | | reverse, and you may find that these people want |
| yourself if it is you that has a problem. An alcohol or | | | | your loved one to abuse drugs and alcohol. |
| drug abuse problem is a disease like many others, | | | | Find the Right Method |
| and shouldn't be a matter of blame. | | | | Try experimenting with different methods of quitting. |
| Seek Help | | | | Cold turkey isn't for everyone; you may find it easier |
| Once you can accept that assigning blame will not | | | | to give up in stages, or be prescribed a less harmful |
| help you, you should seek help (in fact you should | | | | version of the drug which can be regulated and |
| seek help, even if you feel that you still need to lay | | | | reduced in order for you or your loved one to have |
| blame!) There are huge numbers of self help groups | | | | fewer withdrawal symptoms. |
| and charities which cater to people with this problem. | | | | Don't Give Up |
| These include groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous | | | | Relapse is unfortunate part of drug and alcohol abuse. |
| and Narcotics Anonymous, where patients can talk | | | | Just because you or your loved one relapses, this |
| about their problems in a non-judgemental and | | | | doesn't mean that either of you have failed. |
| understanding environment. | | | | Recovery is rarely linear in any illness, particularly one |
| Seek Medical Guidance | | | | which is mental and physical in origin. Depending on |
| As drug and alcohol abuse is a medical condition, | | | | the drug involved, the body can become chemically |
| there are a large number of medical professionals | | | | as well as psychologically addicted to the substance, |
| who will be able to help you overcome the problem if | | | | which will make it even more difficult to quit. |
| you have gone beyond the point that | | | | Maintain Treatment |
| non-professional support will help. There are trained | | | | When you have followed all these steps, be sure |
| counsellors who know how to approach the problem, | | | | that your loved one continues treatment so they |
| and drugs experts who may be able to help with the | | | | don't fall back into old habits. It can be helpful to |
| 'weaning off' process for many drugs. | | | | have supportive people around them even in post |
| Avoid People Who Are Still Users | | | | recovery, and they may find it rewarding to help |
| While this may seem obvious, not everyone realises | | | | others who are in their situation. |