By Suzana 
Helping a friend overcome an addiction requires knowing how to bring the subject up. Here are tips for talking to your friend about addiction.
Are you planning to talk to your friend about addiction?
You’re not alone. About 21 million people in the US suffer from addiction. Whether it be substance or alcohol, when it becomes out of hand it can cause death.
Addiction is a mental condition that tempts people to engage in repeated behavior.
Addiction can linger over months or years, and watching your friend fight it can be difficult. To help your friend, you need to know how to bring up the subject and tackle it with care.
Here are 5 tips on how you can talk to your friend about addiction.
- Find the Right Time
Addressing your friend about their addiction is very important. It’s a sensitive subject that needs the right time and place, especially if they’re in denial. This is why it’s most appropriate to talk to them when they’re sober.
When they’re under the influence during the talk, there’s a chance they will react with aggression. This can result in more harm than good. Remember that the goal is to bring up the problems they’re making and helping them understand it’s time to do something about it.
- Provide Some Examples
Pointing out example scenarios can give clearer explanations. Stay honest with them about the bad situations they got themselves into. Tell them how their changes in behavior become a problem when they indulge in their types of addictions.
- Show Them Your Love and Support
Let your friend know that you’re always there for them.
However, they need to know that even though they have your love and support, it doesn’t mean you should become their scapegoat.
Set limits on what you’re willing to do for them. Help them stay focused on positive goals. Whenever they do positive things, acknowledge it, and don’t abandon them despite the struggles.
- Be Consistent
Whenever you’re talking to them, it’s essential to get your message out. Don’t accuse them of their misdeeds, but show them empathy and never jump to assumptions. Emphasize the difficult situations they’ve been facing with the addiction.
- Encourage Them to Seek Treatment
Talking to your friend about addiction only increases their anxiety. Tell them to consider options for treatment. Help them by providing reassurance in times of need, especially when they experience withdrawal symptoms.
Talk to Your Friend About Addiction Now
If your friend wants to overcome addiction, there are many options to treat the disorder. You should give them your full support in these times, whether the process is good or bad.
Recovering takes a lot of time and commitment and can be successful with the right treatment plan. You should start talking to a friend about addiction as soon as possible.
We hope that this guide gives you a better understanding of talking about it. However, treatment doesn’t end here. Make sure to continue reading our guides to further learn how to address addiction.