What to do if you think a loved one is addicted to drugs

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It is important for an addict to admit they have a problem before they can be successfully treated. Loved ones cannot make this decision on the addict's behalf. But there are steps you can take to help addicts realise they have a problem that will benefit from treatment.

Interventions can be an effective way of confronting addicts and convincing them to get treatment. But it is essential to get expert advice before attempting to confront an addict or the effort risks being useless or even making the problem worse.

Addiction is not a failure of willpower. Addicts can't simply be talked out of their addictions. The purpose of the intervention is not to convince the addict to stop taking drugs. The intervention should be aimed at helping the addict realise that they have a problem and convincing them to seek help.

It is not helpful to reprimand addicts for their dependency on drugs. In fact, this is counterproductive. Addiction is a disease and drug abuse is one of the possible symptoms of this disease. Telling drug addicts they have somehow failed, or are bad people, is not only wrong - it can make the underlying emotional problems worse. Addicts need help, not punishment. At Oasis Counselling Centre, we provide the nurturing support to help addicts make the long-term lifestyle changes needed to stop abusing drugs and prevent relapse.

Addicts often make poor choices because they are misled by denial. The family and friends of an addict can also overlook or underestimate the seriousness of the problem. It can be comforting to assume your friend "just likes to party" or "needs something to unwind". But if you notice a loved one demonstrating any of the symptoms of addictive behaviour they may be an addict. The disease of addiction get worse if left untreated, so you can assist your loved one the most by getting help as soon as you suspect they may have a problem with drug dependence.

For intervention advice, or to learn more about the symptoms of addiction, call Oasis Counselling Centre in Plettenberg Bay for help.