It can be hard to talk to someone you love about a drug problem. But having a conversation about getting help can make a big difference. Use these tips to get started.
Be honest about how you feel.
You can say:
- “You’re very important to me.”
- “I’m worried about your drug use. It puts you at risk for an overdose, which can be very dangerous.”
- “Your drug misuse is affecting our relationship.”
Remind them things can get better.
You can say:
- “Millions of people struggle with drug addiction — it’s nothing to be ashamed of. You’re not alone.”
- “Dealing with drug addiction is hard, but it’s possible. Many people have stopped using drugs, and you can be one of them.”
- “Drug addiction is an illness, and you can get treatment for it.”
- “There are different ways to treat drug addiction, including medicine, talk therapy, or both.”
Offer to help.
You can say:
- “To get treatment for drug addiction, you can make an appointment with your doctor. Or I can help you find someone else to talk to, like a therapist or social worker.”
- “There are support groups for people with drug addiction — I can help you find one.”
- “I’m here for you. You can call or text me at any time if you need support — or if you just want to talk.”