Help for Drug Users

Drug abuse is not a matter of personal weakness or lack of willpower. Rather, it is a vicious cycle where changes in the brain result in a continuously growing impulse to use. To get help, it is important to first to understand that drug abuse is a disease; then the proper help can be accessed and steps can be taken to break the addictive cycle.

Disease

• In order to help a drug user, it is vital to avoid misconceptions of what their condition entails. It is a mistake to view drug abuse a social problem or view users as morally weak. It is a common belief that drug abusers should just be able to stop taking drugs, but this belief underestimates the complexity of the problem and does not account for the impact that drug abuse has on the brain. The National Institute on Drug Abuse states that stopping drug abuse is not just a matter of willpower, but understanding that it is a brain disease that requires medical intervention to be treated.

Identification

• How do you know someone has a drug problem? First, look for cycles of increased energy, restlessness and changes in sleep patterns. Abnormal movement and speech may indicate drug use. Physically, a person may show sudden changes in weight and have progressive, severe dental problems. Also note a persistent cough or sinus issues such as frequent nosebleeds. Possession of paraphernalia such as pipes, roach clips or syringes are signs of drug use.

Help

• Once you get a perspective on what drug abuse is, it is easier to begin to get help for someone you realize has a problem. First, consider attending a support group like Alcoholics Anonymous. There you can interact with other people who have faced similar problems. Next, be prepared to establish boundaries. Inform the drug user that you will not deal with them while they are drunk or high; this sets expectations and creates an element of emotional stability for all parties. At the same time, you will have to be prepared to confront the user with straight talk about how serious you think their problem is, and this may require a group intervention. Be prepared to deal with a range of feelings from the user, from complete denial that they have a problem to admitting the abuse but still only being willing to act on their own terms. Best results occur when the user surrenders to the reality that they are addicted and are willing to take any steps towards a solution. At this time you can get the person to enter a detoxification or rehabilitation facility and begin the formal, medical process of breaking the cycle of addiction.