Drug abuse and addiction can be devastating to the people using the drugs, as well as those around them. Unfortunately, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, it can be very difficult to quit, even if they want to. One of the best things you can do is to talk to someone if you would like them to get treatment. It should be noted, though, that there are right ways, and wrong ways, to talk to them about it.

Guidelines for a Successful Discussion

Saying the right thing to someone that needs drug abuse treatment is very important, if you intend to get them the help that they need. While there is no one right thing to say, there are several guidelines that you can follow to help. These include:

• expressing how much you care about them,
• setting aside a time and place for you to talk,
• discussing how their drug use is affecting them and you,
• having well-researched treatment suggestions, and
• listening to what they have to say with an open mind.

Following these guidelines makes it much more likely that your talk with them will inspire them to enter a treatment program.

What Not to Say

According to the Partnership for Drug Free Kids, there are things that you can say or do that will decrease the likelihood that the drug user you care about will seek treatment. Some of these are:

• not listening to what they have to say,
• being aggressive or confrontational,
• lecturing them instead of talking with them,
• telling them you understand, or know what they are going through (unless you have already done so yourself),
• talking to them while either of you are under the influence, and
• not having useful suggestions for treatment options.

All of these things create an environment that is not conducive to meaningful discussion of the topic of drug treatment.

Getting Them the Help They Need

The most important aspect about speaking with someone you want to seek treatment is getting them the help that they need. Addiction is a horrible and chronic disease, and it is only through treatment that recovery can be reached, and maintained. There are a number of treatment options, and there is help available for everyone that needs it. For more information on these program call us at 1- 800-934-1582(Who Answers?) .