The highest percentage of increase in substance abusers is among young adults, teenagers and school-aged children. Drug addicts often do not have anyone to lean on or talk to for support. One belief is that a person can quit drugs if he wants to and that it is all about willpower. Depending on the substance, drugs alter the brain, which creates cravings and compulsion to use. Because of this, it is extremely difficult to quit abusing drugs with willpower alone. Seek help, talk to someone, let it all go away.
One of the most heartbreaking experiences an individual may go through is watching a friend, love one relapse into abusing drugs or alcohol. It forces you to make difficult decisions that may put your friendship with the person in jeopardy, even though you are only concerned about his/her well-being. If you’ve got a friend who has recently relapsed, try as hard as you can to keep your head. There are steps that you can take to help your friend and family member to ultimately get out of this difficult time.
Have The Talk:
A certainty you must face when a friend relapses is that you cannot sit idly be while your friend goes back down a dangerous path. You will need to confront him about it. Begin by forming a plan of what you want to say and when you want to say it. Remember that you will have to be as supportive as possible. So, choose a time when this difficult talk will come easiest.
Don’t do it while he’s high or hung over, or even in a bad mood. Allow the conversation to happen naturally, and adopt a caring tone. Be as honest as possible, even if you feel frustrated or angry, but show him with your words, not with your voice.
Understand The Relapse:
When a person relapses, it is because deep-seated chemical and psychological needs have come to the surface. Sometimes, the tension of worrying about a relapse is so great your friend will want to relapse just to feel relieved of the stress or something else.
However, a friend who relapses is armed with the knowledge of his original recovery. Remind him of how wonderful it feels to be DRUG-FREE, and reinforce how proud you are that he stuck it out for so long. Do not protect him from the consequences of him relapsing or trying to control his drug use – those are his to deal with – but rather demonstrate to him a healthy, happy lifestyle outside of drug abuse. He needs help because he’s under influence, addiction and this could destroy the life of person and loved one. Be Supportive.
Just talking to a person once does not demonstrate that you support him in his continued recovery.
His relapse demonstrates that he is capable of being drug-free, and you should treat him as such. Help him to recall the various reasons recovery was so important to him, and tell him all the ways quitting changed him for the better. Don’t badger your friend repeatedly, as he may become hostile and unwilling to listen to you.
On the other hand, walk the fine line between guilt-tripping him and enabling him by not bringing the subject up.
You don’t approve, and he should know that.
Take control over your need: Say No To Drugs.