What to do
It’s helpful to tell the person that you are concerned about the behaviours you are seeing. Ask them if they are struggling and tell them you want to help them. Setting boundaries, or deciding on an intervention is never an easy step. To understand that It’s not the drugs or alcohol that’s the problem. It’s the addicted persons thinking, can help your approach.
Again, ask a professional for advice on how to approach the person to achieve the best outcome. If you love them and don’t feel able to have a conversation without escalating, consider asking a counselor to meet with you together.
How to approach an Addict or an Alcoholic you love and want to help.
To do nothing is hurting them. In fact, turning a blind eye is to enable the person to continue with their addiction.
Is it more humane to stand helplessly by and watch addicts and alcoholics killing themselves? It’s probably very difficult for you to approach them, but you do need to confront the person sooner rather than later. It’s always best to speak to an addiction professional before confronting the person. You need to have a plan to get the person help, before it’s too late.
Signs that a person probably is using drugs.
If you can tick off three or more signs you can be sure there is a problem
- Change in moods, either very “up” or very “down”. Bad mood swings, apathy, lack of motivation. Irritated, snappy or overly lethargic.
- Secretive behaviour, either going out for extended periods or isolating in their own space for extended periods.
- Change in sleep patterns, either too sleepy and sleeping for too long, or going for long periods without sleep.
- Changes in appearance and personal hygiene. Appearing scruffy, wearing dirty clothes, not washing or brushing teeth, shaving. Dirty fingernails.
- Neglecting their health. Picking at spots on their face, in their hair or on their body. Appear pale, drawn, dark circles around eyes.
- Changes in eating patterns, either binge eating, or not eating at all, perhaps only drinking milky steri stumpies, milo or drinking yoghurt.
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