3 Ways to Help Someone with a Substance Abuse Problem

by Kevin Smith Author It's hard when a loved one is struggling with a substance abuse problem, and it can be even harder knowing how to support your friend in receiving treatment. If you're unsure how you can help someone overcome an addiction, here are three simple things you can do.

Locate a Local Treatment Center
It is difficult to make the decision to enter treatment for an addiction. While your loved one may recognize that she or he has a problem, taking the step to entering a treatment center may be overwhelming. To help make the process easier and more accessible, look into local centers for substance abuse treatment in St. Louis and find out what services they offer. Once you know what's available, share it with your friend. Your help will make it that much easier to pick a treatment center when this person finally decides to make a change.

Offer Encouragement
Before, during, and after treatment, your friend will need your support. Once he or she leaves treatment, they will need to avoid the triggers that may lead to a relapse. Though a recovering substance abuser will have to face many struggles alone using the knowledge gained in treatment, you can always offer love and support. Encourage your friend to follow the treatment plan and to seek additional treatment if she or he relapses.

Help Them Find Support
While your encouragement is important to your friend's success, it is also helpful for recovering addicts to have a support system of people on a similar path to recovery. Research local addiction support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, or Cocaine Anonymous. These groups can provide communal support for recovery.

If you have a friend or relative who is struggling with an addiction, the most important thing you can do is to find a local center for substance abuse treatment in St. Louis and encourage this person with love and support to seek treatment. If you're unsure of what to say, ask the treatment center for advice and their trained employees can help you form a plan you need to offer assistance and hope.

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Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

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