According to Medline Plus, approximately 40 million people are injured in the United States due to substance abuse. This substance abuse can come in the form of drug abuse, both illegal and prescription, and the use of alcohol. Many times a friend or family member may be struggling with an addiction and will require assistance. There are several ways that any person can help a loved one deal with substance abuse issues.
Instructions
1. Become informed about substance abuse issues. Speak to a licensed drug rehabilitation expert or visit a meeting of Al-Anon, which is a group that helps the friends and family members of people dealing with substance abuse issues, namely alcoholism.
2. Openly discuss the person's substance abuse issues, without being judgmental. This may help a person come to a realization about his issues. Avoid confronting the person in a negative way and do not begin this discussion while the person is under the influence of his particular drug.
3. Offer the abuser support, but do not enable her. This means that you do not make excuses for her, do not attempt to help her procure drugs or alcohol and do not allow her to make empty promises to you that will not be kept.
4. Help the person participate in activities that are not centered around his drug of choice. Take the person for a walk or introduce him to a new hobby that will keep him away from any situations that will encourage him to abuse drugs or alcohol. This could includes bars or homes or friends who still use the particular substance.
5. Encourage the friend or family member to seek help for herself. This help can come in the form of counseling, drug treatments or living in a sober house, which is a home that does not allow the use of illegal drugs, prescription drugs or alcohol.
Tags: abuse issues, substance abuse issues, drugs alcohol, substance abuse, substance abuse