How to Help Someone With Depression and Drug Abuse

A person who abuses drugs often suffers from depression as well. The drug abuse could be a way to self-medicate in order to alleviate the depression. It could also be the cause of the depression as the person realizes that he is addicted and feels powerless to overcome the problem. Either way, you cannot change the person's behavior, but there are ways you can help.

Instructions

Helping a Person With Depression and Drug Abuse

• 1

  When discussing the issue with the person, stick to facts and specific examples rather than making accusations. For example, don't say, "You're so lazy. You never do anything, and the drugs are turning you into a jerk." This will put him on the defensive, and it doesn't give concrete information. Instead say, "I am concerned because you haven't left the house in three days, and you only leave your room to eat. When I try to talk to you, you ignore me and go back into your room and slam the door." These ae specific examples, not vague accusations.

• 2

  Instead of telling the person what you see, ask her questions to help her see it on her own. Try things like, "Do you think it's good to isolate yourself? What are the drugs doing for you? Do you think there are other ways you could accomplish that?" These questions pinpoint the issues but don't force your opinion on the person. They invite her to think and come to her own conculsions. Health Central says that treating the addicted person with empathy and respect is more effective than direct and hostile confrontation.

• 3

  Help the person break of the depression by helping him focus on goals. Depression is paralyzing. It keeps a person stuck and saps his energy so he no longer has the motivation to make a change. When he is also misusing drugs, the comfort of the medication increases the problem. Ask him, "Where do you want to be in a year? In five years? What are you doing to get there? What can you choose to do right now in order to start moving toward those goals?" This reminds him that he has a choice.

• 4

  Don't enable the person's negative behaviors. You can be supportive without being an enabler. If a person takes actions that have negative consequences due to her drug addiction, don't help her get out of them. If she gets pulled over for driving under the influence of an illegal substance, don't bail her out. If she begs for money, don't give it. If she asks you to make an excuse for why she cannot go to work, don't provide it. Let her be responsible for the consequences of her behavior.

• 5

  Make suggestions for help resources. You cannot force a person to get treatment for depression or drug addiction, but you can provide him with information that he can use if he decides to get it on his own. Find out the meeting schedule for local 12-step groups like Narcotics Anonymous. Health Central recommends these groups as an effective form of treatment. Get information on social service agencies that provide free or low-cost treatment for depression. Let the person know, "If you're ever ready to get help, here are some things you can use. I gathered this information because I care about you. I won't help you stay depressed and addicted, but I will help you recover."