Need a new approach
Question
My friend takes all kinds of drugs. He told me he'd stopped smoking pot but after just a week his mate met up with him, offered him some hash and he took it. How can I help him stop taking drugs? At the moment he just ignores me about this sort of thing.
Answer
It can be difficult when someone you care about is taking drugs and it's always hard to know what to do to help. But it's important to remember that when someone is taking drugs they must choose to stop. Only they can make that decision. If your friend is ready to think about making this choice, there are plenty of things you can do to help him.
You could start by talking to him about whether or not he wants to cut down or stop using drugs. A good first step would be to Find out more about the drugs he is using: the effects; the law; and the nature of addiction/dependency. Then, plan what you want to say. Giving him information about the effects on his health and how to stay safe could help him make up his mind. Maybe write down a few points and think about how what you are going to say will sound to him. Don't be judgemental. Think carefully about what you say and how you say it. Remember, it is his choice and you can't make his mind up for him.
There will be services for people with concerns about drug and alcohol use in your area. These services can offer your friend free, confidential support from professionals who will not judge him or make him do anything he doesn't want to do. You might want to do some research by ringing them first before talking to him about what is available in his area and what support they can provide.
If he doesn't think he is ready to talk to someone face to face, you can suggest he rings his local service so they can provide support over the phone until he is ready to make the next move.
Updated: 02/06/2011
Question answered by Addaction
